Mental Health Benefits of Scrapbooking
Observing someone who is engrossed in the art of scrapbooking, the observer gets the sense that something more than just engaging in a hobby is going on. Immersed in photographs and memories, the hobbyist seems to overcome the stress of life today, as the task provides a mental break from the demands of the day. Sharing with loved ones or friends, scrapbooking is also an avenue to spend quality time together while sharing ideas behind a single purpose.
But don’t just take the words of an informant. In fact, the Hobby and Trade Association emphasizes the “therapeutic benefits” of this particular hobby. According to the association’s estimates, people in 35 percent of American households enjoy scrapbooking on a regular basis and enjoy the therapeutic rewards. Plus, there’s a benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked: pride in a finished product, or the entire scrapbook itself.
The benefits of scrapbooking have long been embraced by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which launched a therapeutic scrapbooking program for parents 10 years ago. Now, a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, which looked at the influence of scrapbooking sessions, found that they promote hope and help parents expand their support network. The study highlights a previously unknown benefit of scrapbooking.
“Although the art of scrapbooking is widespread, its use as a tool for mental health professionals is just developing,” said St. Jude social worker Paul McCarthy. “I hope that our experience at St. Jude will encourage others to try it in various settings with a variety of different groups, both young and old.”
Clearly, the association and St. Jude are convinced of the lifelong benefits of scrapbooking. While there are probably too many to list them all, these benefits generally fall into one of five areas.
The first is the benefit of giving, or the joy one feels when creating a unique piece that requires great thought and the sharing of memories.
Next is the event log for people in the past and future, to remember important occasions and life events that help define individuals and families in unique ways.
The calm and thoughtful mindset that goes with scrapbooking is a third benefit. In a culture where medication is often the first resort for anxiety, scrapbooking provides a meaningful and relaxing break from the stresses of life.
The benefit of normalizing traumatic events, such as divorce, illness, and death by placing memories in a cohesive but expressive order, is a fourth benefit. In this way, scrapbooking promotes not only self-expression, but also self-healing and a sense of inner peace, as the folks at St. Jude discovered.
In conclusion, there is the benefit of self-esteem in putting the finishing touches on an author’s project, which, like the human being who created it, is an inimitable creation. And this benefit, as any seasoned scrapbooker will attest, is one of the biggest benefits of all: it’s a fun and rewarding hobby that provides hours of enjoyment after the book is complete.
