Integration of Visual Arts Methods in Education: Reducing Stress, Enhancing Introspection, and Emotional Well-being

Contemporary global trends, marked by increasing levels of stress
and anxiety, underscore the need for innovative approaches in
education, visual arts and therapy. The therapeutic potential of
artistic activities within educational settings highlighting their
contribution to stress reduction, enhancement of emotional and
cognitive abilities.
This study analyzes the impact of artistic activity on the emotional
and cognitive state of students, with a focus on the therapeutic
application of drawing as a method for reducing stress assessing
their emotional states before and after participation in the
exercises. The aim was to examine how artistic expression can
affect emotional stability and to explore the potential of this
method in the educational process. The workshop integrated
artistic, pedagogical and therapeutic approaches, positioning
drawing as a powerful tool for enhancing emotional well-being
and cognitive abilities. The research included 21 participants,
fourth year students, who took part in the art activity. Quantitative
analysis showed that emotions related to happiness, such as
“joyful,” increased by 52.89%, calmness by 47.93%, while
negative emotions such as “nervous” decreased by 48.19%. An
questionnaire revealed that 85.71% of participants felt relaxed
after the workshop, while 100% reported a reduction in stress.