Comparing the Effects of Art Therapy and Mandala Application on State Anxiety Levels in Chemotherapy Patients

This study aims to compare the effects of the "Dance of the Pen" (art-based flow drawing) and mandala activities on state anxiety in patients undergoing chemotherapy and to evaluate intervention satisfaction. The research is planned as a randomized controlled trial with a two-group, pre-test, post-test design. The study will be conducted in two hospitals in Istanbul with a total of 60 participants. The intervention group will receive the "Dance of the Pen" and mandala activities. Randomization will be based on the patients' chemotherapy session days, and the study will be conducted as a single-blind study. Data will be collected using a Personal Information Form, the State Anxiety Scale (STAI-I), and a Distress Thermometer. Interventions will be applied in structured sessions lasting approximately 30-60 minutes. The population of the study will consist of patients receiving chemotherapy at hospital, and those patients meeting the inclusion criteria will constitute the sample of the study. Participants will be informed about the study before the research begins. Those who agree to participate will be assigned to a randomized group and will undergo either the "Dance of the Pen" or "Mandala activity," both conducted as single-session interviews. Participants will complete a Personal Information Form and the STAI-I before the activity, and will also undergo the STAI-I and distress thermometer tests afterwards.

Inclusion criteria

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be receiving chemotherapy treatment
• Must be willing to participate in the research
• Must be literate
• Must be able to speak and understand Turkish

Exclusion criteria

• -Having any speech or comprehension impairment
• Being treated with other forms of treatment
• Having any accompanying psychiatric diagnosis
• Using any psychiatric medication
• Being enrolled in another program using a similar method could affect the study's outcome