Abstract
This paper presents support for the inclusion of fiber arts techniques in the art therapy profession.
The author conducted a thesis study to investigate the use of introductory-level crochet as a
mindfulness-based technique to reduce stress in care providers to people with developmental
disabilities. Effects of the mindfulness-based therapeutic crochet method were rated by
participants using the Perceived Stress Survey (PSS-10; Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983)
and the Task Enjoyment Question (TEQ; Tauer & Harackieweicz, 2004). Surveys also collected
information about how much crochet was done between sessions in order to gather information
about the possible relationship between skill achievement, task enjoyment, and stress reduction.
Results were quantified for analytic correlation in SPSS Statistics 23 by a contracted statistician.
Due to the small sample size, results of the analysis were statistically inconclusive, but are
discussed at length.
