Reducing Negative Mood Through Mandala Creation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study examined whether the creation of a mandala has specific efficacy for reducing negative mood states. A convenience sample of 67 adult participants was randomly assigned to one of 4 conditions following negative mood induction: (a) coloring a blank circle with instructions to express feelings, (b) coloring a blank circle with instructions to draw freely, (c) coloring a square with instructions to express feelings, or (d) coloring a square with instructions to draw freely. The two circle (mandala) groups reported significantly greater mood improvement compared to the two square conditions. These results demonstrate that the circular shape of the mandala serves as an active ingredient in mood enhancement.