Research on Puzzles
While research on the benefits of jigsaw puzzles is still emerging and somewhat limited, existing studies suggest they may support cognitive, emotional, and social functioning across the lifespan.
Children
Dewi, et al., 2020: A quasi-experimental study at Abdul Moloek Hospital in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, found that play therapy involving jigsaw puzzles significantly reduced hospitalization-related anxiety in children aged 3-6.
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Levine et al., 2012: A longitudinal study in Chicago, USA, found that preschoolers who engaged in early puzzle play showed better spatial transformation skills at age 4.5. However, the study leaves open whether puzzle play directly promotes spatial skills, calling for future research to establish a causal link.
Mental Wellbeing
Research studies (to our knowledge) have yet to directly examine the benefits of jigsaw puzzles on mental wellbeing.
Anecdotally, many individuals have found jigsaw puzzles helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and low mood. The focused, present-moment nature of puzzling diverts attention away from past worries or future anxieties, creating a mindful break from stressors. The repetitive, structured process of piecing a puzzle together can also offer a calming, soothing effect.
Additionally, the sense of flow achieved during puzzling, combined with the satisfaction of completing a puzzle, can elevate mood and contribute to emotional well-being.
Older Adults
Fissler et al., 2020: A randomized controlled study of 100 adults aged 50+ in Ulm, Germany, found that solving puzzles engages multiple cognitive abilities, and long-term puzzling experience may help protect against cognitive decline, although short-term puzzling did not show significant immediate improvements.
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Lin et al., 2020: A survey of 156 Hispanic older adults in Texas, USA, found that puzzle working boosts cognitive function while also offering emotional and social benefits, regardless of whether they need assistance with activities of daily living.
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Hughes et al., 2010: A population-based, prospective cohort study in ,Pennsylvania, USA, found that engaging in hobbies, including jigsaw puzzles, for at least one hour daily may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
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Crispi & Heitner, 2008: A study in nursing homes in New York, USA, found that activity kits containing foam jigsaw puzzles or reminiscence themes significantly improved the quality of visits between family caregivers and relatives with dementia.