Art making is an ancient part of the human story, maybe even older than religion? In any case, science attempts to investigate the biological effects of expressive dialogue with material. Here’s the question: Can art-making affect levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in adults?
In one 2016 study, 39 participants provided saliva samples to assess cortisol levels before and after 45 minutes of art making (using collage materials, clay, and markers). participants also provided written responses about the experience at the end of the session.
The saliva samples showed that cortisol levels had significantly dropped after the session. 75% of the group had decreases in cortisol while 25% had unchanged or increased levels. Written responses showed that they found the session relaxing, enjoyable, and helpful for learning about new aspects of self and an evolving process of initial struggle to later resolution.
The results showed no difference in outcome based on prior art-making experience or gender.
What’s interesting is that many people I’ve talked with described their art classes when they were young as stressful and the teacher being judgemental. Such experiences soured their relationships with the arts, as was the case for Hitler.
The lesson: when things don’t go your way, don’t take it to heart, take it to art.
Arya Salehi helps individuals discover their authentic selves so that they can be at their best and build awesome relationships.
Author of Panic in the Soup and host of the Bee Now podcast, Arya is a seasoned coach and facilitator. You can catch him cycling on dirt trails at sunset in Roseville, California.