How Crafting Can Help Emotional Regulation
It is no secret that when it comes to mental health, women have reported higher rates of mental health complications since 1993, based on a recurring study which is held every seven years by the Adult Psychiatry Morbidity Survey.
A study conducted by the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey in 2023 and 2024 found that around 20.2% of all adults in the UK are diagnosed with a mental health issue, but, at the time of the study, it was found that the rates of mental health issues were higher in women (24.2%) than in men (15.4%). Younger people between the ages of 16 and 24 have even higher rates, increasing from 18.9% in 2014 to 22.6% in 2024.
Even with these rates, it should be noted that conditions like anxiety disorders and depression typically remain undiagnosed, according to a study by Arias-de-la Torre et al, 2021. The UK’s “Let’s Talk About It” survey, which was conducted on women’s health in 2021, found that 33% of women indicated that they had anxiety disorders and stress,23% indicated signs of depression, and 21% pointed to having more general mental health issues.
The causes of these mental health diagnoses and problems in women are wide and varied, ranging from socioeconomic stressors, lack of familial support, lack of access to trained, compassionate therapists domestic issues and genetics in the cases of more extreme mental health issues. However, a core part of most modern mental health issues in women aged 18 and up has its roots in emotional regulation, according to papers by Verhelst 2024 and Cutajar and Bates 2024, which can lead to intense daily stress.
Emotional Regulation- What Is It?
In the last few years, the term dysregulated has become more mainstream and recognised, usually in relation to children, teenagers and even adults, specifically, when it refers to emotional dysregulation.
So, to flip it on its head, what is the definition of emotional regulation?
- Awareness- The act of noticing and spotting emotions as they arise, such as “I feel anxious” or “I feel sad”
- Understanding emotions- Being able to identify why you feel that way and what may have triggered it, such as an argument, financial stress, etc.
- Modulation/Management- Using strategies to influence how intense an emotion is, noting how long it lasts and using creative ways to express it.
According to Paulus (2021), someone who has emotional dysregulation may experience-
- Extreme mood instability
- Irritability
- Aggression and anxiety
- Problems or delays with returning to the baseline state
Their emotional reactions are considered excessive compared to social norms, inappropriate or detrimental to a person’s interests. This can be associated with comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, cluster B personality disorders, as well as uni or bipolar affective disorders. The cluster B personality disorders in this study were based on the DSM-5 classifications. Of course, a person does not have to have a clinical diagnosis to have complications with emotional dysregulation.
If you are familiar with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), you may notice how emotional regulation looks like the skills taught in sessions around CBT. Of course, not everyone has the time or the money to attend CBT sessions. These skills can be taught via YouTube videos or via meditation apps/wellness apps, like MindDoc or Sanvello. However, a lot of people become stuck on the last part: the creative ways to express an intense emotion like anxiety or anger.
Knit 1, Purl 2- Crafts and Emotions of Inpatients
If you have ever watched a psychological film from the 1970s onwards, especially those set in psychiatric units, you will have noticed the prevalence of crafts on a ward. Indeed, even in 2025, many psychiatric units in the UK have crafts as part of their daily activities, according to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Of course, one of the aims is to reduce boredom for those on the units. However, crafts, such as painting, basket weaving and (in recovery and rehabilitation units) even knitting and crochet, are standard practice for those who are receiving psychiatric care. Why?
Studies by both Bukhave et al (2025) and Kaunill et al (2022) explored the roles of crafts such as woodwork, papercraft, knitting and embroidery having a positive impact on inpatients. The study by Kaunill was qualitative and focused on patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, all of whom reported a sense of belonging and meaningfulness. The study by Bukhave found mostly the same in a more general population of inpatients, but stated that the positive impact on anxiety and depression was reported short-term and that longer-term follow-ups were needed.
So, if you are a woman living in the community, can crafts such as knitting or crochet be beneficial in managing anxiety or daily stressors?
Crafts In The Community
Many people associate knitting with something that older people engage with, but there is a growing body of research that shows community and individual crafting, such as knitting, quilting, sewing and even pottery, have improved wellbeing for women. This has been linked to reduced loneliness, reduction in anxiety and depression, along with better self-esteem associated with learning and mastery of a craft.
A recent study by Keyes et al (2024) looked at large populations of people who engaged in crafts and found that there was higher life satisfaction overall. Engaging in craft also predicted lower loneliness scores, which suggests that community crafts contribute to positive well-being. A study from the same year by Le Lagadec et al explored needlecrafts and wellbeing. It was concluded that crafts such as knitting, sewing, quilting and crochet led to stress reduction, enhanced mood and higher levels of self-esteem. It also found that such crafts were beneficial to women who were recovering from illness or had chronic health conditions.
The research in both the community and in psychiatric hospitals, relating the emotional well-being of women to crafting, is initially positive. However, it should be noted that most of these studies were qualitative and quasi-experimental, making them more prone to scientific scrutiny.
Why Do Crafts Help?
At this stage, it is normal to think about the mechanism behind why crafting has such benefits to mental wellbeing and emotional regulation.
A core feature is the repetitive nature of crafting, such as knitting or crocheting. According to the study mentioned earlier by Keyes et al (2024), the repetitive actions that come with knitting, sewing and other needlecrafts can help to reduce anxiety by silencing the amygdala, which is the stress/fear centre in the brain.
When it comes to community-based crafting, the Crafts Council has found that skill building and creating a finished product, like a quilt, a scarf or a doily, has been found to increase self-esteem and pride in accomplishments.
I hope you found this blog article an interesting read. If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to drop a comment. We appreciate all feedback and want to hear how you find these blogs. If you are worried about concerns with your own emotional regulation, or if you feel you want more guidance on how to keep yourself emotionally level, please contact My Family Psychologist on 07801 079 555 or email luisa@myfamilypsychologist.com
FAQs
What is Emotional Regulation?
Emotional regulation is the skill to recognise, manage and respond to emotions. It involves controlling impulses, managing distress and adapting feelings to suit situations. It helps to support decision making, helps with maintain good mental health and promotes well-being.
How Do Crafts Help With Improved Emotional Regulation?
Studies support emotional regulation by offering focus, calming the mind and offering a safe way to express emotions. Doing crafts in groups can reduce social isolation, help with emotional processing and lead to self-esteem via a craft.
Can Crafts Help With Emotional Stability in People With Mental Health Issues?
Short-term studies have found that crafts can help people who have mental health issues but more research is needed. Kaunill et al 2022 found that patients in psychiatric hospitals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia reported improved self esteem and an improved sense of belonging after engaging in crafts on the ward.
References
Arias-de la Torre, J., Vilagut, G., Ronaldson, A., Serrano-Blanco, A., Martín, V., Peters, M., Diez, E., Kessler, R. C., & Alonso, J. (2021). Prevalence and age patterns of depression in the United Kingdom: A population-based study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 279, 164–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.136
Bukhave, E. B., Creek, J., Linstad, A. K., & Frandsen, T. F. (2025). The effects of crafts-based interventions on mental health and well-being: A systematic review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(1), e70001. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70001
Crafts Council. (n.d.). 4 reasons craft is good for your mental health. https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/stories/4-reasons-craft-good-your-mental-health
Cutajar, K., & Bates, G. W. (2024, December 11). Australian women in the perinatal period during COVID-19: The influence of self-compassion and emotion regulation on anxiety, depression, and social anxiety (Version 1) [Preprint]. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202412.0990.v1.
Department of Health & Social Care. (2022, April 13). Results of the “Women’s Health – Let’s talk about it” survey. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/womens-health-strategy-call-for-evidence/outcome/results-of-the-womens-health-lets-talk-about-it-survey
Kaunnil, A., Kaunnil, K., & Permpoonputtana, K. (2022). Craft activities as a meaningful occupation among clients with schizophrenia in Thailand. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 38(2), 194–210. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2022.2047135
Keyes, H., Gradidge, S., Forwood, S. E., Gibson, N., Harvey, A., Kis, E., Mutsatsa, K., Ownsworth, R., Roeloffs, S., & Zawisza, M. (2024). Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, Article 1417997. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997
Le Lagadec, D., Kornhaber, R., Johnston-Devin, C., & Cleary, M. (2024). Healing stitches: A scoping review on the impact of needlecraft on mental health and well-being. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 45(10), 1097–1110. doi:10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228.
Paulus, F. W., Ohmann, S., Möhler, E., Plener, P., & Popow, C. (2021). Emotional dysregulation in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders: A narrative review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.628252.
Royal College of Occupational Therapists. (2018, May). Getting my life back: Occupational therapy promoting mental health and wellbeing in England (England). https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/media/1059/getting-my-life-back_england.pdf
Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2025, June 27). New data highlights “worrying trend of rising mental ill-health” in England says RCPsych President. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/latest-news/detail/2025/06/27/new-data-highlights–worrying-trend-of-rising-mental-ill-health–in-england-says-rcpsych-president
Verhelst, P., Sels, L., Lemmens, G., & Verhofstadt, L. (2024). The role of emotion regulation in perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review. BMC Psychology, 12, Article 529. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02033-9