Inhale, exhale, draw: A guided drawing and mindfulness intervention for anxiety reduction.

Anxiety is among the most common emotional difficulties impacting well-being, highlighting the need for approachable anxiety-reduction tools. Both mindfulness- and art-based interventions have been shown to decrease anxiety symptoms. The current studies integrate these approaches via a novel guided drawing intervention. In Study 1, we tested feasibility using a single group design (n = 54). Study 2 was a randomized controlled trial consisting of an analyzed sample of 156 participants assigned to groups using a single-blind design (guided drawing: n = 55; free drawing control: n = 51; basic control: n = 50). Outcome measures for both studies were anxiety (pre/postdrawing and at 1-week follow-up) and physiological regulation (respiratory sinus arrhythmia). Study 1 results showed that guided drawing significantly decreased state anxiety and anxiety symptoms 1 week later, as well as increased physiological regulation across the drawing session. Those reporting emotion regulation difficulties at baseline showed greater anxiety reductions. In Study 2, the guided drawing group emerged as distinct from controls regarding state anxiety and physiological changes. In both studies, the degree of anxiety reduction during guided drawing was associated with greater improvements 1 week later. Findings suggest that guided drawing is a promising avenue for anxiety management.