> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Linda Garner > Reference:: https://www.scirp.org/html/2-1440413_53800.htm > Date:: 2024 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: [[Psychological value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft improves well-being]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > A weekly craft group led by nurses can help women who have experienced trauma by improving their anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and self-confidence ### Highlights Creative crafting in groups can be used as an intervention to explore new ways of problem-solving and learning, both of which contribute to a woman’s sense of control in life The purpose of this study was to explore how participation in a weekly craft group may influence anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and self-confidence among women who have experienced emotional and physical trauma. In this study, creative expression is synonymous with crafting. It differs from traditional art therapy in that its’ purpose is not to uncover repressed memories or painful secrets associated with the traumatic experience. No specific training in the arts is required to be a successful crafter; the activities rely on basic skills available to everyone, not just the artistically gifted While not considered a professional form of therapy, crafting can be therapeutic in that it produces a phenomenon known as “flow”. Crafting triggers the flow response. The effects of flow are similar to those produced by meditation Crafting activities offered over the 7-week period included jewelry making, cross stitch, embellishment of colored bottles with glass beads, Coptic stitch binding, crochet, embellishment of flip flops, and mosaics.