Mandala Therapy in Nurses: Effects on Psychological Well-Being and Organizational Cynicism

Evaluation of the Effect of Mandala Therapy on Nurses' Psychological Well-Being and Organizational Cynicism Level

This study aimed to examine the effect of mandala therapy on psychological well-being and organizational cynicism levels among nurses. The study was conducted with nurses working in a public training and research hospital using an experimental intervention design. Participants were allocated to an intervention group receiving mandala therapy and a control group receiving routine working conditions. Psychological well-being and organizational cynicism were assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools.

Nursing is a profession characterized by high emotional labor, intensive workload, and continuous occupational stress, which may negatively affect psychological well-being and contribute to negative organizational attitudes such as organizational cynicism. Supporting nurses' psychological well-being is therefore essential for sustaining professional functioning and quality of care.

Mandala therapy is an art-based behavioral intervention that provides individuals with a space for free expression through unstructured drawing and coloring activities. Unstructured mandala practices allow participants to express their inner experiences without predetermined guidance, supporting emotional awareness and self-regulation.

This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of unstructured mandala therapy on nurses' psychological well-being and organizational cynicism levels. The study was carried out with nurses working in a public training and research hospital. Participants were allocated to an intervention group receiving unstructured mandala therapy and a control group receiving routine working conditions.

Mandala therapy sessions were conducted in small groups over a defined period, based on a free-expression approach. Psychological well-being and organizational cynicism levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention using standardized and validated measurement tools. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study was retrospectively registered.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having at least 6 months of professional nursing experience at the hospital where the study is conducted
• Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being on leave or on medical report during the data collection period
• Participation in individual psychotherapy or group-based intervention programs
• Receiving psychiatric medication treatment
• Having visual impairments or visual disorders
• Having prior experience with meditation practices