RESEARCH ARTICLE

RESEARCH ARTICLE

DOI: 10.54392/ajir2424
Mandala Coloring: A Therapeutic Journey towards Affective
(Emotional) Wellness
Qi Wang a, , Kok Hwee Chia b, *
aCrossland Education and Enrichment School, Singapore.
bMerlion Pediatric Therapy Clinic, Singapore.
*Corresponding author Email: xguohui62@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54392/ajir2424
Received: 06-05-2024; Revised: 15-06-2024; Accepted: 20-06-2024; Published: 23-06-2024

Abstract: Despite its origin in the ancient spiritual traditions, such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhlism, mandala
coloring therapy (MCT) has gained popularity over the past two decades as a therapeutic tool used in wellness
treatment to address various affective conditions. The symbol of a mandala representing the universe serves as a
meditative aid, whose aim is to cultivate mindfulness and also to promote relaxation and self-expression, while
engaging in a creative process of mandala coloring. With promising results in reducing symptoms and improving
overall well-being, MCT can be used to treat challenging affective conditions, such as trauma and the stress-anxiety-
depression (SAD) syndrome. There are two key steps to be followed in the therapy: (1) Select a mandala design;
and (2) choose the coloring materials for the task of mandala coloring. Throughout the session, the MCT facilitator
supports and encourages the participants to stay focused on the present moment, allowing their thoughts and
emotions to surface without judgment while coloring the selected mandala. During the pre-MCT session, participants
are asked individually about their respective current affective states, stressors, and expectations. In the post-MCT
session, questions are also asked but the focus is now on a participant’s experience during the coloring session, such
as any insights gained, mood or mindset changes. The authors also discussed the limitations of MCT. In addition,
they have provided their recommendations to circumvent these therapy constraints.
Keywords: Mandala, MCT, Origin, Purpose, Therapeutic, Wellness treatment

1. Introduction
As a form of unique art therapy in spiritual sense, mandala coloring therapy (MCT for short) involves coloring
intricate geometric patterns that are presented in a circular or concentric design known as a mandala. The origin of
the term ‘mandala’ came from Sanskrit, meaning ‘circle’ or ‘discoid object’ (Mansilla, 2020; Orfanidis, 2020; Xie &
Wang, 2021). According to Graham (2012), Munthe and Molino (2015), and Tucci and Brodrick (2020) mandalas
have come to represent symbolically the wholeness, and harmony of universe as an entity in spiritual and cultural
traditions of Hinduism, Jainism and Tibetan Buddhism, and to some extent, Taoism and Christianity, though less
prominently displayed. In the field of Jungian psychology, mandalas are taken as meaningful symbols that represent
the concept of inner self (Wu, 2017), with the circular shape of a mandala representing unity, and its intricate
patterns to stand for the complexity of an individual’s psyche (Miller, 2005; Whan, 2018).

In the science of wellness, MCT is a multifaceted therapeutic projective technique whose main task involves
coloring. In the first place, the meditative and calming effects of MCT can help individuals to reduce stress (Muthard
& Gilbertson, 2016), lower anxiety (Campenni & Hartman, 2020), cope with depression (Xie & Wang, 2021),
comprising of the three terms stress (S), anxiety (A) and depression (D) that constitute what is known as SAD
syndrome (see Xie & Wang, 2021, for detail), and through its creative process, can help to promote relaxation in
these individuals (Christy, 2021). The repetitive and focused nature of coloring within the structured lines of a
mandala can induce a state of mindfulness (Mansilla, 2020), where an individual is consciously aware of the present
moment, but also experiences a sense of inner peace, albeit the mind is subconscious and/or unconscious, influencing
one’s thoughts and behaviors (Anderson, 2002).

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Moreover, MCT encourages self-expression (Wu, 2017) and promotes creativity (Marshall, 2003). With the
provision of the basic structure of a mandala, participating individuals are free to select their colors to use as well as
patterns of their choice of mandala. In this way, they are free to express their emotions, pour out their thoughts,
and share their inner experiences non-verbally without feeling threatened. As a result, the process of MCT aids in
facilitating introspection (Liang et al., 2020), increasing self-awareness (Quinn, 2014; Wu, 2017), and apprehending
one’s emotions and subconscious mind (Jung, 1969, 2017; Munthe & Molino, 2015).
Furthermore, by the complete act of mandala coloring, this act of intent provides a sense of accomplishment
and empowerment to the participating individual. It also boosts one’s self-esteem and confidence (Wu, 2017). As
individuals continue to engage in this creative act (Marshall, 2003), they will also witness the gradual transformation
(Quinn, 2014) from that of a blank mandala into a vibrant work of art. Eventually, they will establish a greater sense
of agency and control over their personal lives.
In any wellness treatment or therapeutic setting, the application of MCT to address a wide range of
psychological issues includes trauma (Christy, 2021; Henderson et. al., 2007), depression (Roquet & Sas, 2021; Xie
& Wang, 2021), addiction (Chandler, 2015), and chronic pain (Choi et al., 2021). More importantly, the therapy can
be very beneficial for those who experience problems in expressing themselves verbally or others who prefer a non-
verbal form of communication.

On the whole, MCT is certainly a powerful tool that can be used to promote holistic wellness (Emanuela, et.
al., 2021), by integrating mind-body-spirit as a complete entity (Crawford, 1999; Seaward, 2005), and also fostering
one’s self-discovery (Wu, 2017) in addition to one’s personal creative growth (Marshall, 2003; Smitheman-Brown &
Church, 1996). Through the simple act of mandala coloring within its circular design, anyone can embark on a journey
of healing, transformation, and self-actualization (Wu, 2017).

2. Mandala Coloring according to Jungian Concept

Mandala coloring, a popular mindfulness practice (Mansilla, 2020), intersects with Jungian psychology
through the concept of mandala design. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology,
identified mandalas as archetypal symbols representing one’s self (Jung, 1969, 2017; Wu, 2017) and the process of
one’s individuation (see Schlamm, 2014, for detail), which is the journey of oneself towards psychological wholeness
(Hayden, 2024; Miller, 2005).

When individuals engage in mandala coloring, they enter a meditative state, focusing their attention on the
intricate patterns and shapes (Eaton & Tieber, 2017). This process mirrors Jung’s (1969, 2017) idea of active
imagination, a technique to access the unconscious and integrate its contents into consciousness (see Miller, 2005,
for detail). By immersing oneself in the act of coloring, one taps into the collective unconscious, where archetypal
symbols reside (Eaton & Tieber, 2017; also see Jung, 2017, for detail).

Within the context of imagination, the authors of this paper proposed two meditative forms of imagination:
(i) Cosmic Imagination (Baracchi, 2019; Linville, 2017), and (ii) Spiritual Imagination (Freitas & King, 2007; Yang,
2018). In the context of MCT practice, cosmic imagination involves exploring themes related to the vastness of the
universe, interconnectedness, and the cosmos (Hepburn, 2000). Spiritual imagination, on the other hand, focuses
more on personal spirituality, inner peace (Anderson, 2002), and the exploration of one’s spiritual beliefs and
experiences. While both involve imagination and creativity (Hepburn, 2000), cosmic imagination tends to be broader
and more universal (Glaveanu et al., 2017), while spiritual imagination is more inward and personal (Yang, 2018).

Moreover, Jung believed that mandalas symbolize the center of the psyche (also see Whan, 2018, for detail)
and the unity of the self (Jung, 1969, 2017; Wu, 2017). Coloring a mandala can evoke feelings of harmony and
balance, as the act itself mirrors the creation of order out of chaos. This resonates with Jung’s notion of the
individuation process (see Schlamm, 2014, for further explanation), where the ego integrates unconscious aspects
of the psyche to achieve a sense of wholeness (Whan, 2018).
Jung (1969, 2017) has often linked mandalas with a series of transformative and renewing actions. Hence,
MCT can be perceived by individuals using the wellness treatmet tool as a form of self-expression and exploration
(Wu, 2017), allowing them to confront and integrate those hidden or repressed aspects of themselves. In this way,

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the process of coloring mandalas becomes therapeutic for self-discovery (Miller, 2005; Wu, 2017) and personal
creative growth (Marshall, 2003; Smitheman-Brown & Church, 1996).
More than that, being repetitive and symmetrical in the different designs of mandalas, adding varied colors
to the mandalas helps to foster a feeling of tranquility as well as a sense of an inner peace (Anderson, 2002; Bhatia,
2023). In other words, this also aligns with Jung’s concept of mandalas as the depiction of order and equilibrium in
one’s psyche (see Jung, 2017, for detail).
In essence, MCT offers a practical application of Jungian psychology that can provide any individual with a
tangible means to engage with his or her unconscious and, at the same time, to facilitate the individual’s journey
towards self-awareness (Quinn, 2014) and wholeness of self (Jung, 2017; Wu, 2017).

3. Mandala Coloring as a Therapeutic Activity

Having gained popularity as a therapeutic activity in the past two decades, MCT is seen to promote emotional
well-being (Emanuela et al., 2021). The canvas of the intricate, circular or concentric designs of mandalas provides
individuals with many opportunities for their creative expression and relaxation, and that, in turn, also offer them
several benefits for affective or emotional (both terms are used interchangeably) wellness.
In the first place, the process of MCT induces a meditative state in a participating individual, very similar to
one who engages mindfulness practices (Mansilla, 2020). By paying attention or concentrating on the intricate
patterns and repetitive motions, MCT permits the individual to quieten the mind (Munthe & Molino, 2015), reduces
the stress (Muthard & Gilbertson, 2016) and lowers the level of anxiety (Campenni & Hartman, 2020). This meditative
state allows emotional stability to be entrenched, by calming the nervous system (Becerra, 2017) and at the same
time, it also helps to reduce the level of stress hormones, like cortisol, being produced (see Asplin et al., 2017, for
detail).

Moreover, as mentioned earlier, MCT also offers as a form of self-expression (Wu, 2017). Selecting colors of
one’s personal preference and then filling in the concentric designs with the chosen colors allows an individual to
express his or her emotions non-verbally. This creative expression (Fincher, 2000) is certainly beneficial for anyone
who is struggling to articulate his or her feeling verbally or for others who find traditional talk therapy or counseling
somewhat challenging.
In addition, by completing a MCT session, one’s sense of accomplishment and control is attained (Fincher,
2000). In the today’s fast-pacing and dynamic world, many aspects of life seem chaotic or appear beyond one’s
control, to complete a tangible task like mandala coloring can bring about a sense of achievement and mastery. Such
a sense of being able to regulate or control over one’s environment can help to boost self-esteem and confidence
(Wu, 2017), and, thereby, can also contribute to overall affective wellness (Emanuela et al., 2021).

More than that, MCT, being a mindfulness-based therapy, can encourage participating individuals to pay
more attention on the current moment rather than ruminating about past regrets or worrying about the future events
that have yet to take place (see Choi et al., 2021, for detail). Such a practice of living in the present moment can
foster a positive outlook on one’s life and, in turn, it aids individuals to build up resilience (Ghait et al., 2023; Kim et
al., 2018) in the face of daily living challenges.

To put it simply, MCT offers a holistic approach to all who seek to improve their affective/emotional wellness
through relaxation, creative expression, mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment (Mansilla, 2020). By
incorporating MCT into one’s daily or weekly routine, such a valuable habit can help in managing one’s emotions as
well as enhancing overall well-being of oneself (Emanuela et al., 2021).

4. Pre-Mandala Coloring Therapy Phase: Questions to ask a Client

Before the start of an MCT session, it is always a good practice to pose a client a series of questions just to
assure the client that the therapeutic process is safe, comfortable, and, of course, customized to an individual’s
personal needs. The authors have developed a list of the eight questions to ask a participating client (see Table 1

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below) during the pre-MCT phase. In addition, they have also provided the reason for each question that the client
is asked (the pronoun ‘you’ in the questions refers to the client):

Table 1. Pre-MCT: Questions to ask

Questions Reasons for asking

Question 1: This question assesses the individual’s familiarity and comfort level with
coloring activities. It helps gauge if the activity will be enjoyable and engaging
Are you comfortable with
for them.
coloring?
Question 2: Knowing about any physical limitations helps tailor the activity to
accommodate those needs, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Do you have any physical
limitations or discomfort that may
affect your ability to color?

Question 3: Understanding the individual’s emotional state helps the therapist gauge
whether mandala coloring will serve as a suitable coping mechanism or if other
Are you currently experiencing
wellness treatment or therapeutic approaches may be more beneficial.
any emotional distress or anxiety?

Question 4: Trauma (Christy, 2021; Henderson et al., 2007) can influence how a person
responds to certain activities, including coloring therapy. Knowing about
Have you experienced any
recent traumatic events allows the therapist to proceed with caution and
traumatic events recently?
sensitivity.

Question 5: Understanding the individual’s goals helps personalize the experience and
ensures that the therapy aligns with their needs and expectations.
Do you have any specific goals or
intentions for this coloring
session?
Question 6: Some individuals may prefer to engage in coloring therapy in silence, while
others may benefit from verbalizing their thoughts and emotions. This
Are you comfortable sharing your
question helps establish boundaries and preferences for communication
thoughts and feelings during the
during the session.
coloring process?

Question 7: Personal preferences regarding colors and materials can influence the
individual’s enjoyment and engagement with the activity. By considering these
Do you have any preferences
preferences, the therapist can create a more customized experience.
regarding colors or materials?

Question 8: Reflection allows the individual to gain insight into their thoughts, emotions,
and the therapeutic process itself. It promotes self-awareness (Quinn, 2014;
Are you willing to reflect on your
Wu, 2017) and can enhance the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
experience after the coloring
session?

By asking these eight questions, the therapist can ensure that MCT is tailored to the individual client’s needs,
preferences, and therapeutic goals, fostering a safe and effective therapeutic alliance or experience (Zetzel, 1956).

5. Mandala Coloring Therapy: Steps to be taken with the Client

As already mentioned earlier or at the beginning, MCT is a therapeutic practice in wellness treatment that
involves coloring intricate patterns within a concentric design. The following six key steps as proposed by the authors
are typically involved in the MCT administration (see Table 2 below):

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Table 2. Steps to be taken in MCT

Steps Actions to be taken

Step 1: Preparation First of all, prepare a comfortable and relaxing environment for the MCT session, e.g.,
dim the lights, play some soothing tunes, and ensure that all the necessary coloring
materials are readily available. The rationale is to establish a positive atmosphere for
relaxation and introspection - both are essential for the MCT process to have a smooth
start (Kim et al., 2018; Liang et al., 2020).

Step 2: Selection A mandala design that resonates with the client must be carefully selected. Preferably,
the choice of mandala should to be picked by the client. As mandala designs vary in
complexity and symbolism, making a selection to align with the client’s current emotional
state or therapeutic goals is crucial. This step is to encourage the client to have a self-
reflection (Wu, 2017) and personalization, allowing him or her to engage more deeply
with the MCT process.

Step 3: Mindfulness Before coloring a selected mandala, the client takes a moment to practice mindfulness
(Mansilla, 2020): close the eyes, take a few deep breaths, and center oneself in the
‘now-and-here’ moment. The aim of this step is to calm one’s mind (Munthe & Molino,
2015), reduce one’s level of stress (Muthard & Gilbertson, 2016), and increase one’s
concentration, and it helps to lay the foundation for a more meditative MCT experience.

Step 4: Coloring MCT begins by coloring the center of the concentric design and gradually moves
outwards. Note that the client’s choice of colors to be used in mandala coloring is
intuitively made. This allows the client to be guided by his or her emotions as well as
the color preference in the moment. As a result of repetitive and rhythmic nature of
coloring the mandala, relaxation is induced and the act of coloring also raises the level
of concentration. As the client becomes more focused on the task at hand, the mind also
gradually becomes less preoccupied with worries and/or distractions, leading him or her
to a state of mental calmness and clarity.

Step 5: Reflection By giving the client more time to reflect on the MCT experience, especially when the
mandala coloring is done, take note of the client’s thoughts, feelings, or sensations that
arise during the process. It is crucial to pay attention to the client’s feeling, both
physically and emotionally. The rationale is to encourage self-awareness (Quinn, 2014)
and insight of self (Wu, 2017) so that the client can gain a deeper understanding of
oneself and one’s inner workings.

Step 6: Integration Incorporate the insights gained from the client’s coloring experience into the daily life.
This might involve practicing mindfulness techniques, incorporating moments of
creativity into the client’s routine, or simply being more attuned to one’s emotions and
needs. The ultimate goal of MCT is to promote self-discovery (Wu, 2017), relaxation,
and overall well-being (Emanuela et al., 2021), and integrating these practices into the
client’s life can help them achieve these objectives.

6. Post-Mandala Coloring Therapy Phase: Reflective Questions to ask the Client

Reflective questions are vital after completing a mandala coloring activity as they help individuals delve
deeper into their experiences, emotions, and thoughts during the process. Table 3 below provides a list of eight
questions along with their respective reasons as proposed by the authors to be used with the clients at the end of
the therapy session (the pronoun ‘you’ in the reflective questions refers to the client):

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Table 3. Post-MCT: Reflective Questions to ask

Questions Reasons for asking
Question 1: This question encourages self-awareness of emotions (Quinn, 2014)
experienced during the activity, providing insight into the individual’s
How did you feel while coloring the
mood and mindset (Mansilla, 2020).
mandala?
Question 2: By reflecting on mood fluctuations, individuals can recognize the
impact of the coloring process on their emotional state, fostering
Did you notice any changes in your
mindfulness (Mansilla, 2020) and self-regulation (Singh et al., 2023).
mood or mindset throughout the
activity?
Question 3: Exploring color choices encourages introspection into personal
preferences, associations, and symbolism, revealing subconscious
Which colors did you choose and why?
thoughts and feelings.
Question 4: This question prompts reflection on the cognitive aspect of the activity,
facilitating introspection and potentially uncovering underlying
Were there any thoughts or memories
thoughts or memories (Liang et al., 2020).
that arose while coloring?
Question 5: Assessing feelings of relaxation provides insight into the effectiveness
of the mandala coloring as a stress-relief technique (Xie & Wang,
Did you experience a sense of
2021), encouraging continued practice for emotional well-being
relaxation or calmness during the
(Emanuela et al., 2021).
activity?
Question 6: How would you describe Reflecting on focus and concentration cultivates awareness of one’s
your focus and concentration during ability to be present in the moment, fostering mindfulness (Mansilla,
the coloring process? 2020) and improving attentional control (Singh et al., 2023).
Question 7: Identifying challenges and problem-solving strategies promotes
resilience (Ghait et al., 2023; Kim et al., 2018) and self-efficacy (Wu,
Did you encounter any challenges
2017), empowering individuals to tackle obstacles in future endeavors.
while coloring the mandala? How did
you overcome them?
Question 8: This question encourages deeper introspection, facilitating self-
discovery (Wu, 2017) and personal (Smitheman-Brown & Church,
What did you learn about yourself
1996) as well as creative growth (Marshall, 2003) by uncovering
through this coloring experience?
insights into one’s preferences, coping mechanisms, and emotional
responses.

By asking these reflective questions, individual clients can gain valuable insights into their emotional,
cognitive, and behavioral responses to the mandala coloring activity, fostering self-awareness (Quinn, 2014; Wu,
2017), mindfulness (Mansilla, 2020), and personal creative growth (Marshall, 2003; Smitheman-Brown & Church,
1996).

7. Limitations of Mandala Coloring Therapy

Today, MCT has become increasingly popular as a therapeutic method in wellness treatment. However, the
authors of this paper have also noted the limitations (also see Hosseini & Borzabadi Farahani, 2022, for further
detail) of MCT and that certainly warrants their considerations as listed in Table 4 below:

Table 4. Limitations of MCT

Limitations Explanations
1. Not a substitute for While coloring in MCT can be soothing and calming, it should not replace professional
professional help therapy for individuals with serious mental health issues. It is not a standalone wellness
treatment for conditions like depression (Roquet & Sas, 2021), anxiety disorders
(Campenni & Hartman, 2020), or PTSD.

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2. Limited MCT may offer temporary relief from stress (Muthard & Gilbertson, 2016) or mild anxiety
effectiveness for (Campenni & Hartman, 2020), but it is unlikely to address deeper-rooted psychological
complex issues issues or traumas (Christy, 2021; Henderson et al., 2007). Moreover, in treating complex
emotional problems, MCT lacks the required depth and specificity in its wellness
treatment.
3. Not universally MCT as a process might not necessarily resonate with every client. There are always
effective some who may find the process tedious, and boring, especially when it involves repetitive
act of coloring, or even stressful for those who are perfectionistic in coloring or others
who cannot stay on task for too long.
4. Potential for Although MCT can help to promote relaxation and mindfulness (Mansilla, 2020), its
overgeneralization benefits must never be overgeneralized, e.g., making an assumption that a simple
coloring activity can solve any mental or emotional issues of concern, because this can
result in unrealistic expectations.
5. Limited research Relying on anecdotal evidence to support the benefits of MCT is not good enough to be
evidence considered evidence-based. While there is limited empirical research to support the
efficacy of MCT, more rigorous studies are required to prove its therapeutic effectiveness
should it be compared to other similar or available wellness treatment approaches.
6. Cultural Since MCT is originated from Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the therapy itself
appropriation concerns might arouse some issues of concerns about cultural approrpriation and religious
snesitivities, where syncretism is forbidden by certain fundamentalists. Then there are
also those who may feel uncomfortable or even offended by the commercialization of
sacred symbols used in MCT.
7. Accessibility issues MCT may use some materials (e.g., intricate coloring books and high-quality colored
pencils) that are considered costly or ostentatious. Hence, MCT facilitators should be
sensitive to those individuals with limited financial resources or if MCT should be offered
to all without having to worry about affordability.
8. Potential for Although MCT offers a mindfulness practice, it can also be distracting to some, especially
distraction in cases where some may choose or resort to mandala coloring as a temporary means
to avoid difficult or complex emotional issues instead of confronting and processing
them.
9. Not customizable MCT happens to offer a one-size-fits-all approach and, therefore, it is unable to address
all specific concerns nor can it provide personalized coping strategies. In other words,
MCT is unlike most traditional therapies offering individualized wellness treatment plans
to meet individual needs.

All in all, MCT can be a useful tool for relaxation and stress reduction (Muthard & Gilbertson, 2016). However,
we should also acknowledge its limitations and only include MCT as a part of a comprehensive approach to mental
health care.

8. Recommendations
The authors of this paper have recommended nine suggestions to circumvent the limitations of MCT (as
shown in Table 5 below):

Table 5. Recommendations
Suggestions Descriptions
1. Integration with professional therapy Encourage individuals to use MCT as a complementary tool alongside
professional therapy, rather than a replacement.
2. Supplementary techniques Suggest combining MCT with other wellness treatment techniques like
journaling, meditation, or exercise to address deeper psychological
issues.

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3. Explore alternative therapies For those who do not resonate with mandala coloring, explore
alternative relaxation techniques such as nature walks, music therapy,
or progressive muscle relaxation.
4. Manage expectations Educate individuals about the scope of MCT and encourage realistic
expectations about its benefits in conjunction with other interventions.
5. Promote cultural sensitivity Offer alternative mindfulness practices that do not carry cultural
appropriation concerns, respecting diverse backgrounds and belief
systems.
6. Accessibility solutions Provide low-cost or free alternatives to traditional mandala coloring
materials, such as printable coloring sheets or digital coloring apps.
7. Mindful engagement Approach the mandala coloring activities with mindfulness (Mansilla,
2020) as an opportunity for one’s self-reflection (Wu, 2017) as well as
for processing one’s emotions.
8. Customization options Empower individuals to personalize their mandala coloring experience
by encouraging them to create their own mandalas or modify existing
designs to better suit their needs.
9. Holistic approach Advocate for a holistic approach to mental health care, emphasizing
the importance of combining various wellness treatment modalities
tailored to individual needs and preferences.

9. Conclusion
The practice of MCT, being deeply rooted in and originated from ancient spiritual traditions, involves
mandalas as conduits for meditative exploration and self-expression. The therapeutic coloring fosters relaxation,
raises mindfulness, and promotes self-expression, by facilitating a participating individual on a personal journey
towards emotional healing and well-being. In other words, when a person engages the creative process of MCT, he
or she can experience transcendence from the confines of his or her affective struggles to find solace and
empowerment in the ‘now-and-here’ moment.

The emphasis of the MCT as a wellness treatment process outlined in this paper focuses on the importance
of intentionality and presence. During each MCT session, participating individuals are encouraged to adopt an open
mind and heart when coloring the mandalas, in order for them to embrace the opportunity for self-reflection, and
also, creative growth. The MCT facilitators also play a crucial role in providing support and encouragement, fostering
an environment conducive to healing and transformation.

Over the past decades, MCT has emerged as a powerful wellness treatment tool in contemporary psychology.
The authors have explored the multifaceted benefits of MCT in addressing socio-emotional conditions as well as
offering insights into its application and efficacy. Empirical evidence from several studies, as discussed earlier, have
underscored the promising results of MCT in alleviating symptoms that are linked to trauma, stress, anxiety, and
depression, to list a few conditions here. Through a series of carefully structured MCT sessions, participating
individuals are facilitated to move towards a deeper understanding of their emotional landscapes as well as to allow
the emergence of insights and the cultivation of resilience.

Despite the benefits of MCT based on clients’ feedback, anecdotes, and several published papers advocating
it, the authors of this paper acknowledge its limitations, such as its reliance on subjective experiences. They argue
an urgent need for more rigorous as well as further empirical research to support this wellness treatment approach.
However, the authors have also provided their valuable recommendations to mitigate these constraints. For instance,
they have suggested integrating MCT with other complementary wellness treatment modalities, and also expanding
research methodologies to study its efficacy.

Finally, MCT remains a promising choice of wellness treatment for those who want to be shown and those
who need to be led … on a self-discovery journey towards emotional healing through empowerment of self to the
eventual development of one’s well-being. The authors firmly believe that more collaborative research effort is

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required to advocate MCT as a propitious approach that can transform lives and nurture the mortal spirit of
humankind in the science of wellness today.

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Cite this Article

Qi Wang and Kok Hwee Chia, Mandala Coloring: A Therapeutic Journey towards Affective (Emotional)
Wellness, Asian Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 7(2) (2024), 44-54.
https://doi.org/10.54392/ajir2424

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