Canvas of Calm: A Pilot Study on Art-Based Interventions for Academic Stress Management in Higher Education

IF 1.2 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research Pub Date : 2025-02-18 DOI:10.1002/capr.12904

Komal Surana, Paramita Datta

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Art has long been recognised as a powerful medium for self-expression, emotional healing and stress reduction. In the context of academic stress, creative art-based interventions provide students with non-verbal outlets to process emotions and build resilience.

Aim

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two art-based therapeutic techniques - scribbling and gratitude mandala colouring - in reducing academic stress among undergraduate students.

Method

A total of 51 undergraduate students (both male and female) from Salesian College, Siliguri, participated in this pre- and post-intervention pilot study. The Academic Stress Scale, developed by Jain and Dikshit, was administered before and after the 4 week intervention. Participants engaged in weekly 1-h sessions featuring intuitive scribbling, scribble swap, self-gratitude and family gratitude mandala colouring, with weekly assignments. Feedback was collected after each session to capture participants' reflections.

Results

Results showed a significant reduction in academic stress levels post-intervention (t = 3.44, p < 0.001), with a decrease in mean stress scores from 98.70 (SD = 8.96) to 90.35 (SD =13.75). Participants reported increased mindfulness, improved concentration, a sense of relaxation and strengthened relationships with family members.

Conclusion

The techniques enabled creative expression without fear of judgement, fostering self-assurance and better coping mechanisms. This study highlights the potential of art-based interventions addressing academic stress in higher education.

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来源期刊

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： Counselling and Psychotherapy Research is an innovative international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to linking research with practice. Pluralist in orientation, the journal recognises the value of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods strategies of inquiry and aims to promote high-quality, ethical research that informs and develops counselling and psychotherapy practice. CPR is a journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, promoting reflexive research strongly linked to practice. The journal has its own website: www.cprjournal.com. The aim of this site is to further develop links between counselling and psychotherapy research and practice by offering accessible information about both the specific contents of each issue of CPR, as well as wider developments in counselling and psychotherapy research. The aims are to ensure that research remains relevant to practice, and for practice to continue to inform research development.