The Abstract Tray — Research Summary & User Outcomes

Three study groups in Dallas and San Antonio (N = 49) show reduced anxiety, depression and tension after a therapeutic art session using The Abstract Tray. Net Promoter Score: 40.

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Executive summary

This study summarizes three research and focus-group sessions with adults in Dallas and San Antonio, Texas. Objective measures and guided activities using The Abstract Tray showed positive results and high levels of user satisfaction, with statistically meaningful reductions in anxiety, depression, and tension.

The study

Led by Dr. Gabriel Acevedo, Yale-trained sociologist, the study conducted three two-hour sessions during fall/winter 2021. Results are based on responses from 49 participants and included pre/post surveys and focus groups. Participants received a $50 incentive and gave consent for surveys and videotaped testimonials.

Key findings

Sample size: 49 participants
Improved psychological measures: tension, depression, anxiety
User experience: participants reported feeling relaxed, safe, soothed, and happier after the activity
Net Promoter Score: 40

Bar chart comparing average psychological measures (tension, depression, anxiety) before and after the Abstract Tray activity — Figure 1. Psychological measures before and after the Abstract Tray activity (N = 49).

Participant feedback

“The activity was quite stimulating given the time we had, to add our own spin on the image. Very interesting and thought-provoking activity and product. Thank you!”
— focus group participant

Conclusion

The Abstract Tray showed promising short-term improvements in emotional well-being and achieved a strong NPS, indicating participants are likely to recommend the product. These results support using The Abstract Tray as a brief, accessible therapeutic tool.

In a clinical study led under the direction of Dr. Gabriel Acevedo, a Yale trained Sociologist and research methodologies, we worked with groups of people and gave them The Abstract Tray to color our abstract designs. Our objective was to see how they felt during and after coloring our abstract designs to improve their psychological outcome/mental well-being.

A controlled study shows that coloring Abstract Tray designs produces immediate relaxation and stress reduction. Participants reported being more grounded, emotionally regulated, and able to access thoughts that were otherwise difficult to articulate. The abstract nature of the art helps bypass the critical, judgmental part of the mind — making it easier to explore inner feelings without fear.

If you’re a mental health professional, educator, or caregiver, The Abstract Tray offers a unique, evidence-informed tool to integrate into your practice:

Use in therapy sessions to help clients articulate emotions nonverbally.
Integrate into schools for stress-reduction activities.
Provide in long-term care or dementia settings as a meaningful and calming activity.
Offer as a gift or resource for families dealing with grief, trauma, or chronic stress.

Benefits for Clinicians:

Easy to implement — no art skills needed
Safe and judgment-free — coloring is inherently neutral
Affordable and scalable — coloring pages and kits available
Supports therapeutic goals — emotional regulation, self-awareness, mindfulness

Emotional & Psychological Improvements

After a guided art session with The Abstract Tray, participants experienced measurable reductions in:

Tension
Depression
Anxiety

Every psychological measure showed improvement with statistical significance, confirming the product’s therapeutic effect.

An impressive NPS score of 40 places The Abstract Tray ahead of many top U.S. sectors in customer satisfaction. This means users aren’t just satisfied, they’re highly willing to recommend the experience to others.