I read a newsletter the other day about how knitting can help alleviate anxiety for patients in an eating disorder treatment center. According to a study published in Eating and Weight Disorders: Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, “theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that performing a concurrent visuospatial task reduces the emotional intensity of distressing images.” To determine whether a “visuospatial” task like knitting could reduce the anxious preoccupation experienced by anorexics, the researchers provided knitting lessons and free supplies to 38 women who were being treated for anorexia in a specialized eating disorder unit.
They found that 74% of the women reported that knitting lessened the intensity of their fears and thoughts and cleared their minds of eating disorder preoccupations. An equal number reported it had a calming and therapeutic effect, and 53% reported it provided satisfaction, pride and a sense of accomplishment.
