Randomised trial, 2026
Does mandala coloring reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Women who colored mandalas had significantly lower PMS symptom severity scores compared to the control group.
What they did
80 university students aged 19 and older with PMS were randomly split into two groups. One group colored mandalas (a form of complementary therapy using circular patterns). The other group did not. The study ran from November 2023 to March 2024. PMS severity was measured using a standardized scale before and after the intervention.
What they found
The coloring group's PMS severity scores dropped from 155.22 to 112.68, a substantial decrease. The control group's scores stayed roughly the same (went from 161.51 to 162.14), showing almost no change.
What it means for you
Mandala coloring may help reduce PMS symptoms. However, the study included only 80 women who were all university students in one location, so we do not know if this works equally well for all women or in different settings.
80
university students studied
155.22 to 112.68
PMS severity scores: before to after
161.51 to 162.14
control group scores: before to after
About the study
- Original title
- The Effect of Mandala Coloring on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study
- Authors
- Derin E, Şolt Kirca A
- Journal
- Holistic nursing practice
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 80
- What was tested
- Mandala coloring (complementary therapy)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/hnp.0000000000000724
Topics
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