Mandala coloring before elective surgery

The Role of Mandala Painting Before Surgery on Anxiety and Stress

NA · University of Yalova · NCT07109492

This trial will test whether mandala coloring one day before an elective cholecystectomy reduces patients' preoperative anxiety and stress.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Yalova (other)
Locations1 site (Yalova)
Trial IDNCT07109492 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults scheduled for elective cholecystectomy at a Turkish general surgery clinic will be randomized the day before surgery to either a mandala coloring intervention or usual care. Researchers will measure self-reported state anxiety and perceived stress (STAI-S and PSS) along with physiological parameters (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation) before and after the intervention. The intervention group will complete a mandala coloring session under nurse guidance; the control group will receive standard preoperative care. Data collection will occur between June 2025 and June 2026 and will exclude patients with psychiatric diagnoses, visual/perceptual disorders, or physical limitations preventing coloring.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are literate adults aged 18–70 scheduled for elective cholecystectomy who can communicate, are not taking anxiolytics/antidepressants, have no hand injuries, and consent to participate.

Not a fit: Patients with prior psychiatric diagnoses, color-vision or visual-perceptual disorders, severe physical limitations of the hands, those over 70, or those already taking psychotropic medications are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost, non-drug activity could lower preoperative anxiety and stress and potentially improve patient comfort and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Small trials and observational studies suggest mandala coloring and other art-based activities can reduce anxiety and stress in clinical settings, but randomized evidence specifically in preoperative populations is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are undergoing elective surgery,
* Cholecystectomy Surgery is planned

  * Age 18 and over,
  * Able to communicate,
  * No wounds or injuries on their hands that would prevent them from painting,
  * Volunteer to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with a previous psychiatric diagnosis,

  * Those with color blindness or visual perception disorders, Patients over 70 years of age
  * Those taking tranquilizers (anxiolytics, antidepressants, etc.),
  * Those with any health problems that may prevent them from painting (fractures, amputations, etc.),
  * Those who are illiterate,
  * Those with communication disabilities will be excluded from the study.

Where this trial is running

Yalova

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mandala Painting, Surgery, Nurse's Role

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.