An Analysis of Music Intervention in the Management of Anxi-ety by Spontaneous Mandala Drawing

Spontaneous mandala drawing has demonstrated therapeutic potential in reducing anxiety. This exploratory study addressed the research question: Does instrumental ambient music enhance the physiological effects of spontaneous mandala drawing? To answer that, three female graduate-level volunteers (ages 29–48) participated in eight sessions (four conducted without music and four with instrumental background music) in which pre- and post-measurements of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were obtained. Non-parametric statistical analysis (t-tests and non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test) revealed no significant differences between the Music and No Music conditions across the three physiological variables. Effect sizes were negligible, suggesting that ambient music neither enhanced nor interfered with the observed phys-iological changes. Heart rate exhibited minor but more consistent shifts, potentially in-dicating its greater sensitivity as a short-term anxiety marker. The raw data and indi-vidual plots revealed substantial inter-individual variability, particularly in systolic blood pressure. These findings highlight the subjective and context-dependent nature of music appreciation and artistic engagement. While limited by a very small sample size (n = 3), this study provides preliminary insights into the role of ambient music in mandala-making interventions. No significant differences were found between condi-tions, underscoring the therapeutic value of spontaneous mandala drawing itself and highlighting the importance of individual variability in art-based interventions. Given the exploratory nature of this study and the individualized responses observed, these findings highlight the value of contributing to interdisciplinary dialogues on art-based methodologies, embodiment, and emotional regulation.