Background:
This study examines the psychological effects of a person-centered, mindfulness-based expressive arts therapy intervention involving mandala drawing in adult female cancer patients. Between March and December 2024, participants received a one-on-one, 60-minute session incorporating mindfulness meditation, circular mandala creation, and self-reflective writing.
Methods:
A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed. The required sample size was estimated using G*Power 3.1 (Faul et al., 2009), with the statistical power set at 0.80 (1–β), an expected effect size of 0.55, and a significance level (α) of 0.05. The calculation indicated a minimum sample size of 28 participants. Therefore, the study was designed with a total of 30 participants to ensure adequate statistical power.Thirty adult female cancer patients were recruited through purposive sampling. Psychological outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using the Brief Resilient Stress Response Scale (BRSRS-5) and the Distress Thermometer (DT). Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests in SPSS version 20.
Results:
Significant improvements were observed in both BRSRS-5 and DT scores after the intervention (p < 0.05), indicating increased resilience and reduced psychological distress.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that person-centered mindfulness-based expressive arts therapy using mandala drawing may serve as an effective and supportive intervention for reducing psychological distress in adult female cancer patients. This creative, nonverbal approach allowed participants to express inner experiences and engage in mindfulness within a manageable time frame, highlighting its potential for integration into psycho-oncology care.