The Effect of Mandala Coloring on Menopausal Attitudes, Perceived Stress, and Mindfulness in Women During Menopause: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Menopause is a natural stage of life characterized by hormonal changes that may affect women's physical and psychological well-being. During this period, women may experience vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood changes, increased stress, and negative attitudes toward menopause. Supporting women's psychological well-being during menopause has become an important aspect of women's health care.Mindfulness-based and art-based interventions have increasingly been used as non-pharmacological approaches to improve psychological health and reduce stress. Mandala coloring is a structured art-based intervention that promotes concentration, helps individuals focus on the present moment, and may contribute to emotional regulation and relaxation. Previous studies have shown that mandala coloring may reduce anxiety and stress levels while improving overall well-being.This study will be conducted as a parallel-group randomized controlled experimental trial. The study will take place at Islampasa Family Health Center No.12 located in Rize, Türkiye. A total of 140 menopausal women aged between 45 and 55 years who meet the eligibility criteria will be included in the study.Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group using a web-based randomization procedure. Women assigned to the intervention group will participate in structured mandala coloring sessions for four weeks, three times per week, for a total of 12 sessions. The first session will be conducted face-to-face at the family health center under researcher supervision. The remaining sessions will be completed individually by participants at home during evening hours.Participants in the control group will receive routine care provided at the family health center without any additional intervention.Data will be collected before and after the intervention using the Personal Information Form, Menopause Attitude Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and State Mindfulness Scale.The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether structured mandala coloring has an effect on attitudes toward menopause, perceived stress, and mindfulness levels in menopausal women.