Coloring pages and colored pencils are available in Himmelfarb Library as part of the Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb initiative. The pages will be switched out on a regular basis and will also be supplemented with jigsaw puzzles and other activities for the remainder of the semester. Please leave the materials on the tables so others can enjoy them, too.Because we know that your time is valuable and you want to make evidence-based decisions, here are some studies which showed that activities like coloring can reduce stress and anxiety and enhance problem-solving capabilities:
- Curry, N. A., & Kasser, T. (2005). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? Art Therapy Journal of the American Art Therapy Assoc, 22(2), 81-85.
- Muthard, C., Gilbertson, R., Baird, B., Smallwood, J., Mrazek, M. D., Kam, J., . . . Schooler, J. W. (2012). Stress management in young adults: Implications of mandala coloring on self-reported negative affect and psychophysiological response Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research.
- Sandmire, D. A., Rankin, N. E., Gorham, S. R., Eggleston, D. T., French, C. A., Lodge, E. E., . . . Grimm, D. R. (2016). Psychological and autonomic effects of art making in college-aged students. Anxiety, Stress & Coping: An International Journal, 29(5), 561-569. doi:10.1080/10615806.2015.1076798
- Sandmire, D. A., Gorham, S. R., Rankin, N. E., & Grimm, D. R. (2012). The influence of art making on anxiety: A pilot study. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 29(2), 68-73.
- van, d. V., & Serice, S. (2012). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? A replication study. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 29(2), 87-92.
