The Effect of Mandala Coloring Activity on Test Anxiety

University life poses various challenges for students, such as being away from family, financial difficulties, and exam anxiety, which can increase stress levels. Test anxiety, a form of situation-specific anxiety, negatively impacts students' academic performance and well-being by reducing concentration and learning efficiency. The combination of theoretical and clinical demands in nursing education further amplifies stress, making it a particularly challenging field for students.

This study is a randomized controlled experimental research conducted between December 2, 2024, and January 13, 2025. The study population consists of nursing students enrolled in the Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing course at a private university during the 2024-2025 academic year. Based on sample size calculations conducted using the G*Power program, considering similar studies and measurement methods, it was determined that 26 students per group are required. Accounting for potential data loss, it is planned to conduct the study with a total of 62 students, 32 in each group.

Students will be informed about the research, and those who voluntarily agree to participate will complete a "Demographic Characteristics Form" and a pre-test using the "Test Anxiety Inventory." Subsequently, students will be randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups in a 1:1 ratio using a random numbers table, with 31 students in each group. Students in the intervention group will be provided with mandala templates and coloring materials. They will be asked to color for 15 minutes twice a week over a two-month period. Email reminders will be sent to the students about the coloring sessions, and they will submit their completed mandalas to the researchers every Friday. Students who fail to complete two consecutive coloring sessions will be excluded from the study. Thirty minutes before the exam, the "Test Anxiety Inventory" will be applied as a post-test, and the study will be concluded. The data obtained will be subjected to statistical analysis, and the process of writing the manuscript will follow.

Inclusion criteria

• Being a student enrolled in the Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing course at the selected private university.
• Proficiency in the Turkish language.
• Having no physical disability that would hinder coloring activities.
• Willingness to participate voluntarily.

Exclusion criteria

• Students with psychological diagnoses such as anxiety or depression.
• Students who do not fully complete the questionnaire/survey forms.
• Students who neglect mandala coloring for two consecutive sessions.