Effectiveness of mindfulness-based colouring for test anxiety in adolescents
School Psychology International June 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/0143034318773523 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 193 |
| Population | Grade 8 students (56.6% female; mean age 13.49 years, SD = 0.50) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness art activity (mandala) free draw/colouring activity |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Both mandala coloring and free drawing/coloring significantly decreased test anxiety and increased state mindfulness before a test. Females in the free condition showed a greater reduction in test anxiety than males. Baseline state mindfulness and test anxiety fully mediated the link between dispositional mindfulness and post-intervention outcomes. |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a mindfulness art activity (mandala) with a free draw/colouring activity on test anxiety in adolescents with an examination of gender differences, and to assess the effect of dispositional mindfulness on students’ experience of mindfulness and test anxiety states. Participants were 193 Grade 8 students (56.6% female; M age = 13.49 years, SD = 0.50) randomly assigned to a mandala ( n = 97) or free draw/colouring condition ( n = 96). Students completed standardized measures to assess test anxiety and state mindfulness pre- post-colouring intervention, immediately prior to completing a test, in addition to a measure of dispositional mindfulness. Results showed a significant decrease in test anxiety and a significant increase in state mindfulness following both activities; however, a gender by group by time interaction was found such that females reported a greater decrease in test anxiety in the free condition compared to males. Furthermore, the baseline measures (pre-intervention state mindfulness and test anxiety) were found to fully mediate relations between dispositional mindfulness and the outcome measures (post-intervention state mindfulness and test anxiety). Implications for educators and future research and practice regarding the use of mindfulness activities in the classroom are discussed.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Mindfulness-Based Art Interventions for Students: A Meta-Analysis Review of the Effect on Anxiety Behavioral Sciences August 7, 2025
- Brief Virtual Reality Mindfulness is More Effective than Audio Mindfulness and Colouring in Reducing Stress in University Students Mindfulness February 1, 2024
- Characteristics of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Schools: a Systematic Review in School Psychology Journals. Contemporary School Psychology October 17, 2022
- The effect of mindfulness-based mandala activity on anxiety and spiritual well-being levels of senior nursing students: A randomized controlled study. Perspectives In Psychiatric Care July 3, 2022
- The Differential Impact of Acute Exercise and Mindfulness Meditation on Executive Functioning and Psycho-Emotional Well-Being in Children and Youth With ADHD Frontiers in Psychology June 14, 2021
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