Coloring, painting, drawing, gluing or sculpting… Taking time to create would be effective in reaching a level of relaxationaccording to the results ofa study published in the medical journal Art Therapy. Indeed, art therapy would reduce the levels of cortisol (the hormone of stress), hence stress. The higher the cortisol level, the greater the stress on the individual.
Researchers from the University of Drexel (United States) conducted an experiment to analyze the effects of art therapy on the level of stress.
39 adults, aged 18 to 59, took part in 45 minutes of artistic creation. Cortisol levels were taken before and after the duration of the experiment.
Researchers found that for 75% of participants, cortisol levels dropped after 45 minutes of creating art. If 25% of volunteers saw this rate increase, the researchers point out that “a certain amount of cortisol is essential for functioning. For example, cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day. “Levels are higher in the morning as it gives us a boost of energy,” says Dr. Girija Kaimal, assistant professor of art therapies. This mechanism could be related to the excitement generated by the activity.
Extending analyzes on the effects of art on stress
In view of the results obtained on this study, the researchers plan to extend their research to explore whether “creative self-expression in a therapeutic environment can help reduce stress.” In this study, other biomarkers such as alpha-amylase and oxytocin will also be measured to give a more complete picture of the effects of creation on the stress.
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