From Stress Afflicted to Knitters — An Introduction to Craft Psychology

The lecture provides an introduction to the theories underlying the field of craft psychology, including:

\ - How to use craft to promote mental well-being.

\ - Motivation/passion and its (lack) importance for the impact of needlework on well-being.

\ - How and why craft activities can help create calm and counteract stress

\ - Other positive effects of crafting, e.g. positive emotions and capacity.

\ - Flow and “meaningful self-oversight”

The lecture also includes a personal angle and my own experience of going from being stress-stricken to knitwear. In addition, I also talk about how to put the theories behind craft psychology into practice and how craft exercises can be graded to suit the cognitive state you are in and the skills you already have. Emphasis is placed on disseminating research content at eye level so that everyone can participate.