The Effects of Fiber Arts on Mental Health: Happiness, Self-Esteem, and Emotional Regulation
Greta Hermann
SUNY Geneseo
Keywords: Fiber Art, Mental Health, Happiness, Self-Esteem, Emotional Regulation, Art Therapy
Abstract
Fiber arts have been shown to have positive effects on mental health and are utilized in different types of therapies with different populations. In the current study, a survey was created and distributed on Facebook via snowball sampling to explore the different levels or types of mental health benefits that may exist across a variety of factors. The scales utilized within the survey were the Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale, the Emotional Regulation Scale for Artistic and Creative Activities Scale, and the Subjective Happiness Scale. It was hypothesized that increased ability level, the reason why individuals craft, group membership, and the type of craft would increase perceived mental health benefits; in addition, it was hypothesized that the age of the fiber artist would not have an impact. There were 97 total participants. The age of the participants was a potential moderating variable in the perceived mental health benefits across the factors, as the survey compared across age-groups and could not account for various life stage differences. Community membership increased self-happiness ratings, happiness and self-esteem both increased with experience level and frequency, amateurs utilized more emotional regulation strategies, needlework and stress-relief as a reason for learning were correlated with poor self-esteem, and quilting and sewing were correlated with higher emotional regulation. The present study added to literature by addressing the mental health benefits of fiber arts and suggesting future uses in art therapy.
