Part of what makes adult coloring books successful in relieving stress is their structure. A 2005 study found that coloring a mandala or another structured pattern was more effective at reducing ...

Jennifer Forkosh & Jennifer E. Drake (2017) Coloring Versus Drawing: Effects of Cognitive Demand on Mood Repair, Flow, and Enjoyment. Art Therapy, 34:2, 75-82, DOI: 10.1080/07421656.2017.1327272.