The Role of Mandala Painting Before Surgery

Surgical interventions often cause significant anxiety and stress in patients during the preoperative period. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of mandala coloring, a non-pharmacological and art-based intervention, on reducing anxiety and stress levels in individuals scheduled for elective surgery. The universe of the study will consist of patients who will undergo elective surgery between June 2025 and June 2026 in the General Surgery Clinic of Istanbul Sultangazi Training and Research Hospital. Data will be collected using the Introductory Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Physiological Parameters Form (including blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation). One day before surgery, patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be informed about the study and randomized into intervention and control groups using a random number table created with MS Excel software. Patients in the intervention group will perform a 20-minute mandala coloring activity in the preoperative waiting period. Before and after the application, participants' anxiety and stress levels will be evaluated with the STAI-S and PSS, and their physiological parameters will be recorded. Patients in the control group will receive standard preoperative care and will be evaluated at the same time points with the same tools, without any intervention. The study aims to provide evidence for the use of mandala coloring as a simple, low-cost, and effective nursing intervention to reduce preoperative anxiety and stress.