Coloring Books Do Not Replace Art Therapy

Research shows that adult coloring books may reduce stress but still do not replace art therapy . Recently, adult coloring books, ready-made mandala templates and even mobile phone applications have been viewed as a form of “therapy.” However, proper art therapy is about more than simply feeling better. Research argues that freer, more creative work provides more lasting benefits.

A study at Drexel University showed that coloring shapes can have some positive effects, but these are not as strong as those of a process involving an art therapist. Colors were observed to reduce stress, negative emotions and negative mental states. However, this ended without adding further value, such as personal development.

In the study, participants aged 19 to 67 attended two separate sessions lasting 40 minutes each. One involved only coloring; the other involved creative work with the direct participation of an art therapist. Participants used whatever art materials they wanted, including coloring, drawing, three-dimensional work or modeling clay. As participants worked on their own pieces, art therapists also produced their own artwork and helped participants when needed. Each person’s stress levels and emotions were assessed before and afterward to see whether there were significant differences in emotions and stress levels between the activities. Workshops involving art therapists resulted in improved quality of life and positive mood changes. Negative mental states decreased to similar degrees. Coloring exercises did not show significant changes in the other effects.

Art therapy workshops; art therapy workshops provide opportunities for more creative choices, expression, responsibility, problem-solving and interpersonal interaction. Coloring alone helped relieve negative feelings, but genuine art therapy can be said to enable better feelings, creative expression and new discoveries. Our recommendation to our valued patients is this: if you cannot work with an art therapist, rather than using ready-made templates or adult coloring books such as mandalas, you can discover art’s healing power by designing your own mandala and experimenting freely with different materials.