In the past years, art-based therapies have been growing in popularity to address these unmet needs. An important aspect of these therapies that has been gaining traction is mindfulness, the concept of staying present and grounded in the moment and paying particular attention to one’s activities and feelings.
The Zentangle Method has been identified as a form of mindfulness-based art intervention in which people are able to channel creativity through drawing simple, easy to learn, repetitive patterns. The method fosters the creation of a non-judgmental environment in which people can overcome the fear of mistakes, improve self-image, and foster a sense of pride in one’s unique creation.
People with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, often struggle with feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, and the ability to express themselves. These individuals, often treated with medication, are still left with unmet needs regarding psychological well-being, such as emotional expressiveness, regulation skills and confidence.
In 2021, The Zentangle Foundation partnered with UMass MIND, a clinical and research program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with SMI, to investigate the Zentangle Method as an adjunctive treatment for SMI. The 14-week study included an 8-week Zentangle program conducted in a group format over Zoom, led by Certified Zentangle Teachers. Participants met once a week for a 90-minute session. These sessions focused on the fundamental principles of the Zentangle Method, and with each successive session, participants were encouraged to explore new designs incorporating the skills they learned in past sessions.
The study measured the psychiatric symptoms, mindfulness, and quality of life of the study participants. Participants were found to have had a significant decrease in the severity psychiatric symptoms and an increase in levels of mindfulness after the intervention. Participants expressed satisfaction with the Zentangle Method and continued use of the Zentangle Method after the intervention as means of a creative outlet. The study findings were presented at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting in 2022 and are currently under review for publication.
With the success of this pilot study, UMass MIND and The Zentangle Foundation hope to further pursue research looking into the effectiveness of the Zentangle Method as a mindful-based art intervention for the SMI population.
The study is published in the open journal, Frontiers. Click here to read the published results.
When Rick and Maria first began teaching the Zentangle Method, they had no inklings of the "side effects" practicing the Zentangle Method would have. It was from the people that called and sent emails that they began to realize the profound effects the method was having. There have been some formal studies conducted regarding the benefits of the Zentangle Method prior to the founding of the Zentangle Foundation, links can be found here.
Giving Tuesday is a national day devoted to charitable giving. We are asking for your help in growing the seed that Judy planted so that we can continue to support new certified teachers, organizations that see the benefits of sharing the method, and research to quantify what we experience when we tangle.
We know that there are many organizations deserving of your support at this time of year. As you consider your year-end giving, we hope you’ll remember the impact that the Zentangle Method has had on your life and consider making a donation in honor of Giving Tuesday. You can learn more about how to donate at zentanglefoundation.org.
Giving Tuesday 2024 is December 2, 2024.
I often say that Zentangle is magic and that it has changed my life. I’m not exaggerating. I’m beyond grateful for my Zentangle practice, and it gives me so much joy when my students tell me their stories about how their lives are improved now that they practice. Thank you for such a wonderful gift!
Brenda Campbell CZT29 on
None of this surprises me, at all!! Practicing the Zentangle Method, becoming a CZT in 2013, and teaching the method ever since has brought SO MUCH peace and happiness into my life! It has allowed me to think of myself as an artist, to meet and to teach so many people in the last 11 years, and to grow treasured friendships with many of my students. My gratitude to you, Rick and Maria (et al) is enormous … With so much love, Jan
Jan Brandt, CZT 12 on
Zentangle reduced my chronic pain by 50 percent after only a few weeks of daily tangling.
It helped me go back to work after COVID and not be in as much pain as before. I would tangle for five minutes at my desk before beginning the workday.
When I was shuffled to a different job on a different campus, I no longer had the chance to practice my five-minute daily tangle before starting my day and my body and mind suffered for that lack of focus.
I decided I would no longer work in the toxic environment and started retirement paperwork.
I officially retired and plan to restart my tangling when we move into our first house where I will tangle in my art studio. I would tangle now but I have too many commitments to meet by the end of the year.
DM Smith CZT38 on
Lindel McCarty on
Mary Ellen Ziegler on
I was part of that study and it made my year (and life!) so much better. Thank you for doing it!
S. on