Recent research published in The Arts in Psychotherapy in 2016 uncovered an intriguing connection between the act of doodling and emotional processing. The study revealed that participants who doodled after experiencing an emotionally charged event exhibited a reduction in the intensity of their emotional responses. This suggests that a simple act of creativity could serve as a valuable tool for managing emotions.
The Experiment: Doodling as an Emotional Outlet
The researchers of the study conducted an experiment where participants were exposed to emotionally charged content and then asked to doodle. The doodling activity was not structured and participants were free to sketch whatever they felt like. This freeform drawing was hypothesized to aid in processing emotions by providing a non-verbal outlet for expression.
Insights from the Doodle Data
Analysis of the participants’ emotional states before and after doodling indicated a notable decrease in the intensity of their emotional reactions. The act of doodling seemed to serve as a distraction, allowing individuals to distance themselves from the emotional event and thus reducing stress and anxiety levels. Furthermore, the study suggested that doodling might help in consolidating emotional memories, making them easier to manage over time.
Decoding Doodles for Well-being
While the act of doodling is often seen as a trivial pastime, this research positions it as a potentially impactful form of emotional self-care. Doodles, in their simplicity, can act as a mirror to our inner emotional landscape, providing a canvas for unspoken feelings and thoughts to be acknowledged and processed.
Applying Artistic Insights
In light of the study’s findings, individuals looking for accessible ways to cope with emotional stress might consider keeping a doodle diary or engaging in spontaneous sketching sessions following stressful events. This could be particularly useful for those who find verbal expression challenging or prefer more solitary methods of emotional processing.
For further reading and a deeper understanding of the study’s methodology and outcomes, interested readers can refer to the original research titled ‘Can Doodling Facilitate Thinking? An Experimental Study in the Context of an Emotionally Charged Event’ published in The Arts in Psychotherapy.
