The Potential of a Mindfulness-Based Colouring Intervention to Reduce Test-Anxiety in Adolescents

Test anxiety is prevalent among adolescents. Some potentially successful mindfulness-based colouring interventions have been identified in previous research, however, conclusions have been based on self-report measures only. In the current study 150 17- to 18-years-olds taking final school exam completed measures of state anxiety (STAI) and Mindfulness (SMS) prior to and directly after completing 12 minutes of either (1) free drawing, (2) mandala colouring, (3) mandala colouring paired with pre-recorded mindfulness instructions. Heart rate (HR) was recorded prior to and directly after the 12-minute colouring intervention.