This study aims to determine the effect of Zentangle practice on perceived caregiver burden, stress levels, and burnout among family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care. Zentangle is a visual art therapy method used for meditative purposes by promoting creativity and focused attention in individuals under stress, which can facilitate mental relaxation, stress relief, and mindfulness. The study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with a pretest-posttest design. The sample consists of 60 family caregivers of patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit, randomized into an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Participants in the intervention group receive a two-week meditative art therapy intervention based on the Zentangle method, while data are collected through face-to-face interviews using validated psychological scales before and after the intervention period.

Background: Zentangle is a visual art therapy method that can be used for meditative purposes by promoting creativity and focused attention in individuals under stress, thereby indirectly facilitating mental relaxation, stress relief, and mindfulness.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of Zentangle practice on perceived caregiver burden, stress levels, and burnout among family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care.

Design: This study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with a pretest-posttest design and was conducted between March and June 2025.

Setting/Participants: The study sample consisted of 60 family caregivers of patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit, including 30 participants in the intervention group and 30 in the control group.

Intervention: Participants in the intervention group received a two-week meditative art therapy intervention based on the Zentangle method. The control group followed the standard routine care process without the art therapy intervention.

Data Collection: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The data collection tools included an Individual Descriptive Information Form, the Caregiver Burden Scale, the Caregiver Stress Index, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey. These tools were administered to both groups as pretest measures before the intervention and as posttest measures immediately following the completion of the two-week study period.

Inclusion Criteria:

Being a family caregiver of a patient hospitalized in the palliative care unit

Volunteering to participate in the study

Being aged 18 years or older

Being able to communicate in the local language

Providing care for the patient for at least one month

Exclusion Criteria:

Having a previously diagnosed major psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment that prevents participation in art therapy

Having visual or physical impairments that interfere with performing fine motor tasks required for the Zentangle method

Participating in any other concurrent psychological or art therapy intervention during the study period