INVESTIGATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF ADULT COLOURING USING A MIXED METHOD APPROACH

Abstract

Adult colouring has become one of the newest trends over the last decade with an increase in well-being attached to its effects, yet it is unclear how a colouring book can provide such benefits. Colouring is an activity that promotes concentration and engagement but does not require excessive skills or focus. With that being said, adult colouring provides enough structure so that users are not overwhelmed by too many decisions but is intricate enough to promote engagement and possibly a state of mindfulness. The current study explores the potential effects adult colouring can have on psychological measures including anxiety, burnout, satisfaction with life, desire for control, and mindfulness. Using a mixed-method approach, 105 participants who identified themselves as "adult colourers!#completed an online survey that assessed their colouring experience and how colouring has influenced their lives in regard to psychological measures. Additionally, 4 participants completed colouring sessions which altered the degree of structure throughout the colourings while mindful breathing techniques were also implemented. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the colouring sessions to gain insight into the benefits the "adult colourers!#experienced. Results showed several significant correlations between the psychological measures with the strongest correlation existing negatively between mindfulness and anxiety. Additionally, all participants who completed the colouring sessions reported a decrease in anxiety and an increase in mindfulness. These results demonstrate that individuals who practice mindfulness or partake in mindful activities are likely to have low levels of anxiety. Qualitative results showed that participants colouring structure preferences aligned with their everyday life control preferences. For instance, the participant who considered themselves to be a leader preferred the unstructured colourings while the participants who considered themselves to be followers preferred the structured colouring designs. There were no significant differences found between participants!#experience or frequency with colouring. While most adult colourers do not colour to improve on the skill, but merely for enjoyment purposes, the benefits of colouring could become effective immediately and not increase over time which could be why there were no differences found, however, further research is needed to support this claim. Furthermore, additional research is needed to determine the appropriate amount of mindful techniques to include while colouring as one participant mentioned they found the breathing bubble used in the current study to be distracting at times and stated that it took away from their colouring mindset. The results from the current study are consistent with previous literature supporting evidence that adult colouring has the potential to decrease anxiety, increase mindfulness, and essentially benefit one's well-being.