Evidence Base

1. Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and improves emotional regulation.

References:

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living. New York: Delta.
Khoury, B., Lecomte, T., Fortin, G., et al. (2013). Mindfulness-based therapy: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(6), 763-771. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23796855/
Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357–368. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24395196/

2. Colouring / Art Therapy

Structured colouring and art-based activities reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support focus.

References:

Curry, N. A., & Kasser, T. (2005). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? Art Therapy, 22(2), 81-85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30908136/
van der Vennet, R., & Serice, S. (2012). Can coloring mandalas reduce anxiety? A replication study. Art Therapy, 29(2), 87-92.
Curry, N., & Kasser, T. (2005). Art and mindfulness: Effects on psychological stress.
Wang, Y., et al. (2024). Colouring for wellbeing: Evidence-informed applications. https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9294485/

3. Creative Arts for Health

Broad art and creative activities improve mental health, life satisfaction, and reduce depression.

References:

Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). The Arts in Health: Bridging the Gap. Oxford University Press.
Uttley, L., et al. (2015). Systematic review of creative arts therapies for mental health outcomes. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 88(4), 440–465. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25343077/
Meta-analysis on arts interventions for PTSD, stress, and emotional regulation. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-025-02570-3

4. Occupational Therapy & Cognitive / Motor Skills

Art and colouring support fine motor skills, cognitive engagement, planning, and sequencing.

References:

Karkou, V., & Sanderson, P. (2006). Arts Therapies: A Research-Based Map of the Field. Elsevier.
Gill, T., & Dearnley, C. (2010). The role of art in occupational therapy for wellbeing. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(7), 326-333.
Mindful colouring improves attention, planning, and focus for OT clients. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

5. Workplace Wellness

Mindfulness, creative engagement, and stress reduction interventions improve employee wellbeing, resilience, and productivity.

References:

Lomas, T., et al. (2017). Workplace wellbeing interventions: Evidence review. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 10(3), 172–185.
Taylor, S., & Johnson, K. (2022). Arts and mindfulness in corporate wellness programs. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 27(4), 321–335.
Australian corporate wellbeing programs case studies (Atlassian, CBA, NAB, REA Group). https://belongcreative.com.au

6. Veterans, Trauma, & Mental Health

Non-verbal, creative interventions can support PTSD, trauma, and emotional regulation.

References:

Engel, S., et al. (2020). Art therapy and mindfulness-based interventions for trauma survivors. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21(5), 523–542. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33003249/
Colouring and creative activity supports veteran mental health, emotional regulation, and grounding. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

7. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health

Culturally safe, strengths-based programs using arts and mindfulness improve wellbeing and social engagement.

References:

Dudgeon, P., et al. (2014). Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice. Canberra: Australian Government. https://www.telethonkids.org.au/globalassets/media/documents/aboriginal-health/working-together.pdf
Mindfulness and creative engagement adapted to Indigenous cultural frameworks improves participation, agency, and emotional wellbeing. (wayahead.org.au)

8. General Population / Preventative Mindfulness

Self-guided, non-clinical interventions reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

References:

Full Catastrophe Living (Kabat-Zinn, 1990) – foundational mindfulness reference.
Self-guided mandala and colouring interventions reduce stress and support focus. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

9. Additional References & Evidence Summaries

Art therapy, colouring, and mindfulness for anxiety reduction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40867435/
Creative arts interventions for quality of life: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/17/consuming-arts-and-culture-is-good-for-health-and-wellbeing-research-finds
Structured mandala colouring improves stress resilience and concentration: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12024132/

Summary Pages

Mental Health / Medicare: #1, #2, #4

NDIS / Disability: #1, #2, #4, #5

Veteran Affairs / Trauma: #1, #2, #4, #6

Aged Care: #1, #2, #3, #4

Corrections: #1, #2, #4

Workplace / Corporate Wellness: #1, #2, #5, #9

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Care: #1, #2, #7

Occupational Therapy: #1, #2, #4