Mandala coloring reduces pain, perceived stress, and improves sleep quality in children hospitalized in a burn unit
In a randomized controlled trial of 40 children aged 7-12 in a burn unit, daily 30-minute mandala coloring sessions for seven days significantly reduced pain and perceived stress and improved sleep quality compared to routine care. Significant Group x Time interactions were found for pain (F(1,38)=38.329, p<.001, ηp2=0.508), perceived stress (F(1,38)=65.595, p<.001, ηp2=0.639), and sleep quality (F(1,38)=9.100, p=.005, ηp2=0.197), with large to very large effect sizes.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Mandala coloring reduces pain, perceived stress, and improves sleep quality in children hospitalized in a burn unit The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Mandala coloring reduces pain, perceived stress, and improves sleep quality in children hospitalized in a burn unit
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children aged 7-12 years hospitalized in a pediatric burn unit.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The effect of mandala coloring on pain, stress, and sleep quality in children hospitalized in a burn unit: A randomized controlled trial. (Journal of pediatric nursing, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Engaging in mandala coloring provides a distracting cognitive focus
- ▸Coloring promotes relaxation and reduces physiological arousal
- ▸Reduced stress and pain perception may facilitate better sleep
- ▸Result: Lower pain and stress scores and improved sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children aged 7-12 years hospitalized in a pediatric burn unit
Recommended Dose
30 minutes daily for 7 days
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-center study with a relatively small sample size (n=40)
- ▸No blinding of participants or personnel due to the nature of the intervention
- ▸Short-term follow-up (7 days) limits assessment of long-term effects
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the mandala coloring intervention last?▼
Each session lasts 30 minutes, and the intervention is delivered daily for seven days.
What age group was studied?▼
Children aged 7 to 12 years who were hospitalized in a pediatric burn unit.
What outcomes were measured?▼
Pain, perceived stress, and sleep quality were measured using validated scales.
Is mandala coloring effective for reducing pain in burn patients?▼
Yes, the study found a significant reduction in pain with a large effect size (ηp2=0.508) compared to routine care.
References
- 1.Gürgan Y, Akdogan R. “The effect of mandala coloring on pain, stress, and sleep quality in children hospitalized in a burn unit: A randomized controlled trial..” Journal of pediatric nursing, 2026. PMID: 42531754 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.07.057