Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Type

Submission

Keywords

Psychology, Art Therapy, Mandala, Digital Coloring, Colored Pencils, Word Search, Experimental Study

Department

Psychology

Major

Psychology and Art

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine if coloring mandalas digitally or traditionally has a different impact in reducing death anxiety among older adults. Using random assignment, we compared digital (n = 22) and traditional (n = 26) coloring to a non-art distraction activity (completing a word puzzle; n = 21) for levels of death anxiety following a death anxiety induction. We hypothesized that both digital and traditional coloring conditions would result in lower levels of death anxiety compared to the non-art activity, but that traditional coloring would result in the lowest levels of death anxiety. In addition, we explored technology literacy as a potential moderating factor. The sample consisted of 69 adults (M age = 72.20, SD = 15.10). We did not find a main effect for the study condition, but found that among participants low in technology literacy, coloring a mandala with paper and colored pencils resulted in lower death anxiety than coloring a mandala on a digital tablet (R² = .23). This demonstrates the importance of attending to people’s familiarity and confidence in using a particular medium when designing artistic interventions for anxiety reduction.

Faculty Mentor

Elizabeth Mancuso, Cindy Miller-Perrin

Location

Waves Cafeteria

Start Date

24-3-2023 2:00 PM

End Date

24-2-2023 4:00 PM

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Mar 24th, 2:00 PM Feb 24th, 4:00 PM

The Impact of Digital and Traditional Coloring on Death Anxiety in Older Adults

Waves Cafeteria

The purpose of this study was to examine if coloring mandalas digitally or traditionally has a different impact in reducing death anxiety among older adults. Using random assignment, we compared digital (n = 22) and traditional (n = 26) coloring to a non-art distraction activity (completing a word puzzle; n = 21) for levels of death anxiety following a death anxiety induction. We hypothesized that both digital and traditional coloring conditions would result in lower levels of death anxiety compared to the non-art activity, but that traditional coloring would result in the lowest levels of death anxiety. In addition, we explored technology literacy as a potential moderating factor. The sample consisted of 69 adults (M age = 72.20, SD = 15.10). We did not find a main effect for the study condition, but found that among participants low in technology literacy, coloring a mandala with paper and colored pencils resulted in lower death anxiety than coloring a mandala on a digital tablet (R² = .23). This demonstrates the importance of attending to people’s familiarity and confidence in using a particular medium when designing artistic interventions for anxiety reduction.

 

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