Mixed Methods Study on The Impact of Coloring Mandalas on Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, and Attachment Style in Adults
Rachel Faas
2025 DOI: 10.33015/dominican.edu/2025.at.03 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed methods study Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults |
| Intervention | mandala coloring |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Style visual arts Emotional regulation Attachment theory Developmental psychology Psychotherapist Literature |
| Key points | Mandala coloring may promote increased mindfulness and adaptive emotional regulation strategies, with preliminary evidence indicating shifts toward more secure attachment states. |
Abstract
This mixed methods study investigates the impact of coloring pre-drawn mandalas on adult emotional regulation, mindfulness, and state attachment style. Drawing from Attachment Theory and Art Therapy frameworks, the research evaluates whether adult coloring interventions—specifically structured mandala designs—can serve as accessible tools for improving psychological well-being. A sample of adult participants engaged in a mandala coloring intervention and completed pre- and post-assessments measuring emotional regulation, mindfulness, and attachment style, including qualitative interviews to capture subjective experiences. Results suggest that mandala coloring may promote increased mindfulness and adaptive emotional regulation strategies, with preliminary evidence indicating shifts toward more secure attachment states. These findings support the integration of mindfulness-based art therapy techniques in clinical and non-clinical settings, particularly for individuals with attachment-related difficulties or trauma histories. By bridging empirical gaps, this study contributes to the growing validation of adult coloring as a low-cost, low-barrier mental health intervention.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Exploring Anima: a brain–computer interface for peripheral materialization of mindfulness states during mandala coloring Human-Computer Interaction November 16, 2021
- The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Mandala Coloring, Made in Nature, on Chronic Widespread Musculoskeletal Pain: Randomized Trial Healthcare May 28, 2021
- The Effects of Completing Mandalas on Mood, Anxiety, and State Mindfulness Art Therapy January 2, 2020
- Can Mindfulness Be Too Much of a Good Thing? The Value of a Middle Way Current Opinion in Psychology January 7, 2019