Psychology proved us right.
Science has shown what we suspected all along...
INSIDE: A fascinating interview with a craft psychologist, how crafting brings not only meaning but healing + more…
As recently recommended by Kavitha from
, I watched the interview with Dr. Anne Kirketerp, a psychologist.(Featured in the last part of an episode of Fruity Knitting.)
As Andrea and Madeline, the creators of the video production, describe it:
“We now have scientific evidence to support why we should invest our time in knitting, and this is the topic of our featured interview with Dr. Anne Kerketerp. Dr. Kerketerp is a Danish psychologist and researcher with a Ph.D. in Psychology but she is also a fully trained craft person. For the past years it has been her mission to expand the research behind the psychology of crafting and she recently published a book called Craft Psychology! “
That piqued my interest! So of course, I had to give it a watch.
Dr. Kirketerp is also a teacher of crafts. Her unique background no doubt contributes to her interest in the subject!
Having coined the term ‘Craft Psychology,‘ to describe a field of research she’s developing, she describes her theory as:
“Craft-psychology is my vision of connecting craftsmanship and psychology. It involves psychological theories that justify and describe crafting and its beneficial effects on our well-being and health.”
Sounds like my kind of science! 😊
(And as a side note, the knitted sweater Dr. Kirketerp wears in the introduction to the interview looks so colorful and warm!)
Here’s what stood out to me.
She mentions how she started her career as a weaving teacher.
Dr. Kirketerp noticed the benefits and the struggles of the creative practice her students experienced, and wondered if it was known in psychology.
Alas… there wasn’t enough research to provide concrete evidence.
So, she decided to investigate further!
As I’ve noticed many times, our curiosity leads us in such rewarding directions, if only we’re willing to take a chance.
Also, I resonated with how she talked about the importance of ‘intrinsic motivation.’ If you aren’t familiar with the term, it means:
Doing something for its own sake, rather than for external rewards.
As my eldest son, ever fascinated with linguistics tells me, ‘intrinsic’ comes from a Latin word meaning ‘from within.’
It’s great how knitting begets knitting!
Of course, having a gorgeous thing to wear, use, or gift at the end is wonderful, but I so love the process and learning new skills.
If I didn’t, I don’t think I’d enjoy it as much!
She talks about the 200+ people she interviewed as part of her research, and the benefits they get from making:
Achieving their potential
Learning new skills
Feeling competent
Belonging to a community of like-minded others
And that sounds lots like the needs constantly referenced in psychology for a contented life! It’s all connected… 😉
If you’d like to read the book but don’t speak Danish, Dr. Kirketerp has good news! On May 23rd, the English version will release. I’ll be keeping an eye out.
I highly recommend watching or listening to the interview. Why not do so with a work-in-progress to gain all the benefits she discusses? 😊
I’m so glad what we suspected all along is getting the further scientific research it deserves.
And another question for you: what drew you to making?
Press reply or leave a comment!
Mystery Quote Of The Week
“Art is an experience, not an object.”
Who said this? Comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s quote and author was…
“I will always buy extra yarn. I will not try to tempt fate.”
— Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Comment below if you got it right.
Crafting Trivia Question Of The Week
Which English noble had a popular knitted and crocheted garment named after him?
What’s the answer? Leave a comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s question and answer was…
What materials for knitting needles were commonly used in the 19th Century?
Bone, ivory, casein, and steel wire.
Did you get it right? Leave a comment if you did!
P.S. Coco & Pepper have got quite the selection ready for you this Sunday…
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
That's a great executive summary of craft+psychology aspects discussed in the interview. I love your conclusion that science is confirming what we suspected all along!! :)
Interesting. I must admit that it doesn’t matter to me that there’s any scientific proof of crafting benefits…I’ve always been a maker of the intrinsic sort!