Using Clay Sculpting to Prime Readiness to Change: An Experimental Analog Study

Abstract

Clay sculpting was used with undergraduates (N = 60) to prime self-reported readiness to change in a therapy role play. After listing behaviors interfering with schoolwork, Group Change (n = 30) created clay sculptures of anchors and then reshaped them into boats (intended to symbolize transformation); Group Non-Change (n = 30) created clay sculptures of anchors, rolled them into balls, and affixed them to a base (intended to symbolize being stuck). A brief therapy role play with each participant followed. Participants in Group Change spoke longer and reported higher change readiness scores compared to Group Non-Change. The experimenter was blind to group assignment and no participant reported awareness of the priming manipulation. Results suggest clay sculpting might help prime readiness to change.

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