A qualitative inquiry comparing mindfulness-based art therapy, mindfulness and neutral clay tasks as a proactive mental health solution for college students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine how college students perceive and manage stress and anxiety in the university setting and explain their perceptions of the effects of MBAT, NCT, and MO on stress, anxiety, and general student functioning. Participants: 58 undergraduate college students participated in post-test interviews following their engagement in either mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT), a neutral clay task (NCT) or mindfulness only (MO) interventions using a 5-week online format. Methods: Magnitude coding was used to describe participant’s perspectives. Results: Many themes emerged including habitual creative practice, prioritizing time for the self, enjoyable/relaxing activity, learning new techniques, understanding of processing and developing self-insight. Themes in the NCT group were more surface level observations, whereas MBAT, and to a lesser extent, MO groups contained an element of deeper understanding and processing. Conclusions: These findings offer support for implementing online and accessible mental health strategies as a gateway to traditional therapies in college settings.

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