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Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making
Art Therapy : Journal of the American Art Therapy Association
|October 4, 2016
Summary
Engaging in visual art making for 45 minutes significantly lowered cortisol levels in healthy adults. Participants reported art making as a relaxing and self-exploratory experience, fostering a desire for future creative endeavors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Art Therapy
Background:
- Stress and cortisol levels are significant public health concerns.
- Creative engagement is increasingly explored for its therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological impact of visual art making on stress.
- To explore participants' subjective experiences during art creation.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was employed with 39 healthy adults.
- Salivary cortisol levels were measured before and after a 45-minute art-making session.
- Participants provided written feedback on their experience.
Main Results:
- Art making led to a statistically significant reduction in cortisol levels.
- Participants described the experience as relaxing, enjoyable, and self-revealing.
- No significant differences were found based on prior art experience, media, or gender.
Conclusions:
- Visual art making can be an effective strategy for stress reduction.
- The subjective experience of art making is linked to positive psychological outcomes.
- Further research can explore art therapy's role in managing stress and well-being.
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