The Effect of Benson Relaxation Exercise and Mandala Coloring Activity on Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health of Palliative Caregivers (Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT), Mandala Coloring Activity (MCA))

Summary

This study aimed to examine the effects of mandala coloring activities, applied in conjunction with Benson relaxation exercises, on the stress, anxiety, and mental well-being of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

Accordingly, the hypotheses of the study are as follows:

H0a: The combined application of Benson relaxation exercises and mandala coloring activities has no effect on the stress levels of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

H0b: The combined application of Benson relaxation exercises and mandala coloring activities has no effect on the anxiety levels of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

H0c: The combined application of Benson relaxation exercises and mandala coloring activities has no effect on the mental well-being of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

H1a: The combined application of Benson relaxation exercises and mandala coloring activities has an effect on the stress levels of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

H1b: The combined application of Benson relaxation exercises and mandala coloring activities has an effect on the anxiety levels of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

H1c: The combined application of Benson relaxation exercises and mandala coloring activities has an effect on the mental well-being of caregivers in a palliative care clinic.

Conditions

• Benson Exercise
• Mandala Coloring
• Informal Palliative Caregiver

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

mandala coloring activity

Mandala coloring is an art therapy method that allows individuals to express their inner world by coloring circular and symmetrical patterns. According to Carl Jung, the mandala represents the subconscious and symbolizes an individual's inner integrity, with drawings reflecting a person's self-perception and mood. Structured mandalas are accessible and low-threatening in clinical settings. The activity is typically conducted in short sessions where participants choose the patterns and colors they wish to use. The coloring process promotes meditation and awareness, providing mental calmness and helping individuals recognize their emotions and values while offering a sense of control and accomplishment during chaotic situations. As a safe, time-efficient, and self-management tool requiring no special skills, mandala coloring contributes to reducing stress and anxiety, making it an effective complementary practice for palliative caregivers.

BEHAVIORAL

Benson relaxation exercises

The Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT) is a behavioral intervention designed to elicit a "relaxation response" through breath regulation, cognitive focus, and the repetition of words or phrases. This response, which is the physiological opposite of the stress reaction, reduces heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and muscle tension while lowering stress hormones and promoting mental calmness. BRT is practiced in a quiet environment, in a comfortable position with eyes closed, for 10 to 20 minutes. Participants focus on their breath, repeat a chosen word silently, and acknowledge and release distracting thoughts. Clinical studies have demonstrated that BRT reduces anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and fatigue, while improving sleep quality and contributing to overall quality of life. It is a safe, low-cost, and accessible stress management method for palliative caregivers.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karadeniz Technical University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-03-29

Primary Completion

2025-05-10

Completion

2025-09-27

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations