Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) Utilizing Watercolor Painting on Emotion Regulation, Mindfulness, and Obsessive Symptoms

Emotion regulation and mindfulness have been proposed as effective strategies for individuals with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), facilitating the management of intrusive and persistent thoughts. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT), specifically utilizing watercolor painting, on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms.

In this randomized clinical trial, 40 OCD patients referred to a counseling center in Isfahan were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The experimental group participated in eight 2-hr sessions of mindfulness-based intervention incorporating watercolor painting. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Vancouver Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and a 2-month follow-up.

Compared to the control group, the experimental group exhibited significant improvement in emotion regulation and obsessive symptoms, along with a notable increase in mindfulness at the post-test stage. These changes were sustained during the follow-up phase (p < 0.01).

The results indicate that MBAT utilizing watercolor painting significantly improves emotion regulation and mindfulness and reduces obsessive–compulsive symptoms in OCD patients. This intervention presents itself as a valuable complementary approach alongside other established treatments.

This trial was preregistered on https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir (IRCT20220911055937N1).