The Effect of Coloring Mandalas on Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Elderly People Referred to Daily Rehabilitation Center for the Elderly in Tehran

Introduction and purpose: Based on the data of the statistics center, the elderly population of Iran is growing. Considering the occurrence of major changes in the lives of the elderly and the high prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression in the elderly population, the effect of coloring mandala designs on the mental health of the elderly referring to Yas Day Rehabilitation Center for the Elderly in Tehran was measured. Methodology: This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method (one group, before and after) in 1400 at the daily rehabilitation center for the elderly in Yas (Tehran). A number of 40 elderly people who met the entry criteria were selected in a non-random way. During 4 consecutive weeks, in 2 sessions per week, the researched samples painted the mandala design that the researcher provided them with in 20 minutes (with colored pencils). State of anxiety, depression, stress, before the first coloring session of the mandala design and immediately after the last coloring session, using The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21) to determine and analyze the data. It was done with SPSS-23 statistical tool. Findings: Among the 40 samples, 57.5% of the elderly were women, 65% of the population was married, and 67.5% of the population had a diploma or higher, and the mean and standard deviation of the age was 72.03 ± 5.34 years. Data analysis showed that coloring significantly reduced depression (P=0.001), anxiety (P=0.001) and stress (P=0.001). Conclusion: The state of depression, anxiety and stress of the elderly improved significantly after the intervention by coloring mandala motifs. Therefore, considering the increase in the elderly population in Iran, as well as the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress disorders among the elderly, using this method can be a simple and affordable solution to improve the mental health and quality of life of the elderly.