ORCID
orcid.org/0000-0002-6108-3693
Year
2017
Season
Spring
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Tracy Alloway
Second Advisor
Dr. Gabriel Ybarra
Department Chair
Dr. Lori Lange
College Dean
Dr. Daniel Moon
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effect a coloring condition had on minimizing anxiety and stress experienced daily by veterans. The effect that coloring had on working memory was also explored.
A sample of 24 armed forces veterans were split into two coloring conditions, a mandala and a free draw condition, and asked to complete the Primary Care PTSD Screen, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Brief State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Working memory scores were established via a Backward Digit Recall task; pre-and posttest scores were evaluated for significant differences.
Our research suggests the act of coloring, not the coloring condition, resulted in significant decreases in stress and anxiety and an increase in working memory. We also found that participants who suffer from PTSD displayed significant decreases in stress and anxiety and significant increases in working memory when compared to individuals without PTSD.
Suggested Citation
Rodak, Jourdan A., "PTSD’s True Color; Examining the effect of a short-term coloring intervention on the stress, anxiety and working memory of veterans with PTSD." (2017). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 749.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/749