Examining the Ability of Digital Visual Art Engagement to Cultivate Empathy and Social Connection

Abstract

We aimed to impact social connectedness and perspective taking using visual art-based psychoeducational materials and skill-building exercises. Participants ( N = 381) were assigned to one of three conditions. Within the perspective taking condition, people took different viewpoints when viewing art. Within the social connection condition, people considered how art can help in reflecting on their relationships. Within the art education control, people focused on structural elements when viewing art. People completed 4 virtual gallery visits and measures of empathy, social connection, and loneliness at baseline, following each visit, and one-week post intervention. Participants reported their level of immersion and reflectiveness following each visit. Results suggest the conditions did not show changes one week post intervention; however, there were interesting findings post-visit. First, reflection was highest in the perspective taking condition, and the social connection condition showed increases in reflection across time. Second, the social connection condition showed reductions in loneliness.