Where Are We Now?
There is no doubt that developing an interest or hobby is good for you. It gives you a point of focus which is outside yourself. This can divert the brain’s attention away from issues such as chronic pain, worries, stresses and depression. Without such a distraction the brain can easily focus all its attention on problems, such as pain, and this focusing inwards can soon form destructive cycles of downward spiralling thoughts which become difficult to break.
When we first began researching the therapeutic benefits of knitting and cross stitching, our initial thoughts were that they could provide an effective way of ‘occupying’ people from the arm chair or hospital bed which could be deliverable in kit form.
As our investigation of narratives progressed, however, the benefits appeared to go a lot deeper with possible physiological, neurological, psychological, behavioural and social changes.
The question is, though, how to tease apart - or independently test - the various mechanisms that might be involved in the beneficial effects, as they are all intertwined. For this reason our research projects will be centrally coordinated and share information.
The skills and feelings experienced whilst knitting and stitching could also, potentially, be used to facilitate the learning of techniques, such as meditation and relaxation, taught on pain management courses, or in the treatment of depression. This could make their benefits available to a wider population. In addition, valuable life skills are developed, which can be utilised in education and the workplace.
If you are a researcher or health professional and would like to be a part of this exciting project, please contact us.
(Click here for a list of current projects).
Why not read Our Theories So Far?
(Select your version: Full, larger print A4 size or Booklet size - print on A4 landscape to obtain an A5 booklet.)
Why research if we already know it works? Click here to find out.
Why Knitting? Details why we have identified knitting as a model craft?