Date of Award
Spring 5-2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
EVMS School of Health Professions
Program/Concentration
Art Therapy
Abstract
Prostate cancer presents the patient with numerous stressors including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, possible income hardship, and social implications. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a known stress-reducing art task on levels of stress, anxiety and immunity. Four participants diagnosed with prostate cancer were randomly assigned to either a control group that worked a maze puzzle or an experimental group that colored a pre-designed mandala. Pretest-posttest measurements included psychological and physiological indicators of stress, anxiety and immunity. In summary, coloring a pre-designed mandala enhanced immunity and significantly lowered levels of anxiety. This randomized, controlled investigation provides encouraging results regarding the use of art-based interventions to manage stress and immunity.
Rights
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DOI
10.25777/fajk-pt77
Recommended Citation
Lorance, John D..
"Prostate Cancer Patients’ Physiological Responses to Coloring a Mandala or Working a Maze Puzzle"
(2008). Master of Science (MS), Thesis, EVMS School of Health Professions, Old Dominion University, DOI: 10.25777/fajk-pt77
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/evmshealthprofessions_etds/54