Mandala art therapy to boost resilience and coping around colorectal cancer surgery
The Effect of Mandala Art Therapy on Psychological Resilience and Coping With Cancer in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.
This trial tests whether mandala art therapy can help adults having colorectal cancer surgery feel more resilient and cope better with their illness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cumhuriyet University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sivas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07535021 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled, pre-test–post-test trial comparing mandala art therapy plus routine care to routine care alone for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Seventy adults will be enrolled (planned 35 per group) based on a power calculation to detect a medium effect size, with outcomes measured before and after the intervention. Eligible participants are adults scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery who can communicate, have no significant visual or upper-extremity impairments, and will remain hospitalized for three days postoperatively. The primary outcomes focus on psychological resilience and coping with cancer, with standard instruments administered at baseline and after the intervention during the 2026 enrollment period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–74 scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery who can communicate, have no significant visual or upper-limb impairments, no history of psychotic drug use or prior psychiatric diagnosis, and expect at least a three-day postoperative hospital stay.
Not a fit: Patients older than 74, those with prior psychiatric diagnoses, significant visual or upper-limb impairments, uncontrolled pain or fatigue (VAS >3) before the intervention, or those unable/unwilling to complete the mandala sessions are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved psychological resilience and better coping after colorectal cancer surgery, which could reduce distress and support recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Small randomized and controlled studies of mandala or other art therapies in cancer and medical populations have reported modest improvements in mood and coping, but large definitive trials are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * To communicate, * Aged 18 or older, * Agreed to participate * Scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery. * No physical disability of the upper extremities, * no visual problems, * no history of psychotic drug use, * pain intensity and fatigue level ≤3 points according to VAS-10 before MST application, * will be hospitalized for 3 days postoperatively, Exclusion Criteria: * Over 74 years old, * has not completed mandala art therapy application, * is not compliant with the application, * has a history of previous psychiatric diagnosis.
Where this trial is running
Sivas
- Sivas Cumhuriyet University — Sivas, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pınar YILMAZ EKER — Cumhuriyet University
- Study coordinator: Pınar YILMAZ EKER
- Email: yilmazpinar20@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 530 946 89 19
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.