Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng EKN (1), Tang ELH (1), Chan DYL (1), Siu AMH (2), Lai CYY (3)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
(2) Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London
(3) Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Introduction :
Zentangle is an easy-to-learn mindfulness-based art activity that occupational therapists use to engage clients. However, its effects in reducing stress and anxiety, improving well-being, and raising mindfulness awareness among people with common mental disorders are not well-established.
Objectives :
This mixed-method randomized controlled trial study aimed to assess its effects. It is hypothesized that Zentangle will reduce stress and anxiety, and promote wellbeing and mindfulness awareness in this population.
Methodology :
Eighteen participants with common mental disorders were recruited from occupational therapy department of a hospital. They were randomized to join weekly one-hour face-to-face Zentangle intervention (n=9) or health-education control group (n=9) over four weeks. The root-mean-square-of-successive-differences (RMSSD) from Heart-rate-variability (HRV) data were collected in each session to evaluate the participants’ stress level changes. Five psychological self-reported questionnaires, including Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-10), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Chinese Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (C-SWEMWBS), and Chinese Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (CMAAS) were administered at baseline and post-interventions. Seven participants in the treatment group were interviewed to gather their experiences after completing all sessions.
Result & Outcome :
The retention rate was 94%, with four males and thirteen females completing the entire study. Two-way ANOVA revealed that intervention group had a significantly greater increase in RMSSD (F=18.51, p=.004), reduction in CPSS-10 (F=15.00, p<.001) and BAI (F=25.17, p<.001), and increase in C-SWEMWBS (F=63.16, p<.001) and CMAAS (F=15.00, p<.001) than the control group. From the qualitative analysis, participants reported that Zentangle practice reduced stress through distraction from daily hassles, increased happiness through a sense of mastery, non-judgmental attitudes, and learning at a relaxing and peaceful pace.
Zentangle is effective and feasible in reducing stress and anxiety and promoting well-being and mindfulness awareness among people with common mental disorders. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to improve generalizability and elucidate the underlying mechanism.
