The Role of Mandala Painting Before Surgery on Anxiety and Stress

Surgical procedures, although often lifesaving and necessary, are known to trigger significant levels of psychological distress, particularly in the preoperative period. This phase, characterized by uncertainty, fear of anesthesia, and concerns about postoperative outcomes, commonly leads to increased levels of anxiety and stress. Preoperative anxiety is reported in up to 85% of surgical patients and is associated with adverse outcomes such as elevated pain perception, delayed recovery, higher analgesic needs, increased cardiac complications, and lower patient satisfaction. While pharmacological approaches are commonly used, there is growing interest in non-pharmacological and holistic strategies to manage preoperative anxiety and stress effectively.

Among the emerging non-drug interventions, art-based therapeutic activities have gained attention due to their accessibility, affordability, and psychological benefits. One such method is mandala coloring, which involves filling in structured circular designs using colors of the participant's choice. The term "mandala" originates from Sanskrit, meaning "circle," and symbolizes wholeness and balance. According to Carl Jung, mandalas help individuals center themselves and connect with their inner states, offering a calming and integrative experience.

Mandala coloring has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by directing attention to the present moment, promoting mindfulness, and eliciting meditative-like states. Unlike traditional art therapy, mandala coloring does not require artistic skill and can be easily implemented across various age and educational levels. Studies suggest that coloring mandalas decreases cortisol levels, improves emotional regulation, and enhances psychological well-being in different populations.

Despite its recognized benefits in mental health contexts, limited research exists on the use of mandala coloring specifically in surgical patients during the preoperative period. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effect of a short, structured mandala coloring session on anxiety, stress, and selected physiological parameters among patients awaiting elective surgery.

The study will be conducted between June 2025 and June 2026 at Istanbul Sultangazi Training and Research Hospital's General Surgery Clinic. A total of 60 adult patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the Mandala Coloring Group (intervention) or the Standard Care Group (control) using a random number table created in MS Excel.