Dr Keyes, who heads the ARU’s school of psychology and sports science, said: “Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with employment.”
The scientists analysed a sample of 7,182 participants from the annual Taking Part survey, external, conducted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Participants were asked to rate their sensations of happiness, anxiety and life satisfaction, and to give their impression of whether life was worthwhile.
When asked about their engagement with crafts, 37.4% of respondents confirmed they had taken part in at least one craft activity in the last 12 months, ARU said.
