In her Psychology senior thesis, Libby Kimport ’11 examined whether creating structured sculptures with clay has specific efficacy for improving mood states. She found that working with clay improved mood significantly compared with manipulation of a soft “stress” ball. Results of the study were published in the most recent issue of Art Therapy. Dr. Steven Robbins, Professor of Psychology, served as her advisor.

Citation: Kimport, E.R. & Robbins, S.J. (2012). Efficacy of creative clay work for reducing negative mood: A randomized controlled trial. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 29, 74-79.