The Effect of Mandala Coloring on State Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of mandala coloring, compared with free drawing, on state anxiety in adults. A systematic search for studies yielded eight studies, which constituted a total of 578 participants, with 289 in the mandala coloring group and 289 in the free drawing group. The results indicated that coloring mandala designs was not found to reduce state anxiety significantly more than free drawing. Larger effect sizes were found in the studies with lower precision, indicating some evidence of bias toward finding an effect. The findings suggest that mandala coloring and free drawing are equally effective coloring techniques to achieve anxiety reduction. More high-quality studies are warranted before any recommendations can be made with confidence.

Keywords:

• anxiety
• mandalas
• coloring
• art
• meta-review

Data Availability Statement

The data analyzed in this study are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Siri Jakobsson Støre

Siri Jakobsson Støre, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and PhD student in the Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Sweden.

Niklas Jakobsson

Niklas Jakobsson, PhD, is a full professor in economics at Karlstad Business School, Karlstad University.