The Physiology of Art: The Effect of Coloring on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate as Measures of Stress

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dc.contributor.advisorGraham, Reiko
dc.contributor.advisorCeballos, Natalie
dc.contributor.advisorHoward, Krista
dc.contributor.authorMorris, Casey Leigh
dc.date.accessioned2019-12-05T15:03:59Z
dc.date.available2019-12-05T15:03:59Z
dc.date.issued2019-12
dc.description.abstractClaims have been made that certain forms of coloring may be efficacious in reducing stress. Coloring mandalas, in particular, has received attention because the repeating patterns and symmetry are thought to induce a meditative state (Curry & Kasser, 2005). The current study examined the effects of coloring on subjective and objective measures of anxiety. To this end, 110 participants completed baseline anxiety and mood measures, followed by an acute stressor, and were then randomly placed into one of three coloring groups (mandala, pre-drawn images, or free-draw) or a control group (choice of crossword, word search, or sudoku). They each completed their respective task for 15 minutes. Cardiovascular measures and self-reported anxiety were monitored throughout. State anxiety significantly decreased in all coloring groups (versus control), though there were no significant differences between the coloring groups. Blood pressure and negative moods decreased beyond baseline in all four groups after either coloring or control, while heart rate and positive moods returned to baseline. This finding did not support the hypothesis that mandalas and pre-drawn images are more beneficial at reducing anxiety than free-draw and control, but does provide evidence that coloring, in general, is conducive to lowering state anxiety.
dc.description.departmentPsychology
dc.formatText
dc.format.extent78 pages
dc.format.medium1 file (.pdf)
dc.identifier.citationMorris, C. L. (2019). <i>The physiology of art: The effect of coloring on blood pressure and heart rate as measures of stress</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10877/9012
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectArt
dc.subjectArt making
dc.subjectArt-making
dc.subjectColoring
dc.subjectStress
dc.subjectAnxiety
dc.subjectMandala
dc.subjectBlood pressure
dc.subjectHeart rate
dc.subjectCreativity
dc.subjectTactility
dc.subjectFlow
dc.subject.lcshArt therapy
dc.subject.lcshStress (Psychology)--Management
dc.titleThe Physiology of Art: The Effect of Coloring on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate as Measures of Stress
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.departmentPsychology
thesis.degree.disciplinePsychological Research
thesis.degree.grantorTexas State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts

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