Adult colouring: The effect of app-based vs. pen-and-paper colouring on mindfulness and anxiety

Abstract

Background The rise in popularity of "mindfulness colouring books" has led to the development of colouring applications as an alternative to the traditional pen-and-paper versions. There have been no investigations exploring these applications in regards to mindfulness. participants and procedure In two randomised experiments, this study examined whether there were any differences in state mindfulness and anxiety between (a) paper-and-pen and a colouring application (i.e., Experiment 1; n = 100), and (b) two different methods of colouring within an application (i.e., tapping or swiping; i.e., Experiment 1; n = 100). results Experiments 1 and 2 showed a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms following a single colouring session, irre spective of different conditions. Also, Experiment 1, but not Experiment 2, revealed that colouring through the application significantly aided the increase in mindfulness. conclusions App-based colouring may be a contemporary time- and cost-effective intervention in reducing anxiety. However, the non-significant increase in mindfulness appears challenging when attempting to justify the results. The effectiveness of colouring apart from mindfulness is seen through potential constructs such as flow, and display a limitation that requires further reflections on guidance to enhance mindfulness through colouring. Future directions are discussed.