Elzė Sigutė Mikalonytė, Jasmina Stevanov, Ryan P. Doran, Katherine A. Symons, Simone Schnall
{"title":"Transformed by Beauty: Aesthetic Appreciation Increases Abstract Thinking and Self-Transcendent Emotions in an Art Museum","authors":"Elzė Sigutė Mikalonytė, Jasmina Stevanov, Ryan P. Doran, Katherine A. Symons, Simone Schnall","doi":"10.1177/02762374251337699","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251337699","url":null,"abstract":"According to prominent philosophical views, appreciating beauty involves psychological distancing, where one does not consider the beautiful object in light of practical interests, and beauty leads to transformative and self-transcendent affective experiences. In this study (N = 187), conducted in the naturalistic environment of a museum, we explored these ideas. Half the participants were instructed to rate the beauty of pottery objects created by a renowned artist, while the other half engaged in a control task that did not involve evaluating beauty. Based on Construal Level Theory, we used the Behavior Identification Form to explore whether aesthetic experiences encourage abstract thinking, and in turn, psychological distance. We also predicted that beauty appreciation would lead to greater transformative and self-transcendent emotions. Indeed, appreciating the beauty of artworks led participants to think in a more abstract way, especially those who practice an art hobby themselves, as well as to transformative, and self-transcendent emotions.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María del Pilar Aparicio-Flores, María Vicent, Aitana Fernández-Sogorb, Carolina Gonzálvez
{"title":"Spanish Validation of the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale (K-DOCS) and its Link with Attitude Towards Artistic Expression and Aesthetic Experience","authors":"María del Pilar Aparicio-Flores, María Vicent, Aitana Fernández-Sogorb, Carolina Gonzálvez","doi":"10.1177/02762374251342492","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251342492","url":null,"abstract":"The study of creativity has been increasing due to its link with critical thinking and problem-solving. However, no scales have been found that evaluate this variable in distinct domains in the Spanish population. This study attempts to validate the K-DOCS using 821 undergraduates, and its factorial invariance according to sex. Correlations between creativity factors and attitude towards the Didactics of Artistic Expression (ADEP) and Aesthetic Experience (EE) were also analyzed. The results revealed a version of the K-DOCS with 22 items and 5 factors obtained the best results and that this version is invariant by sex. Positive and significant correlations were also observed in most dimensions of the ADEP and EE. In conclusion, an instrument for assessing creativity in the Spanish adult population is offered and it is estimated that it will improve the ADEP and EE of the population with the aim of increasing the dimensions of creativity.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144104536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Relation Between DJs Behavior and Their Audience's Positive Affect and Perception of the Show. A Field Study in Electronic Dance Music Clubs","authors":"Konrad Rudnicki, Timon Murrath, Karolien Poels","doi":"10.1177/02762374251340660","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251340660","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the relationship between DJs’ behaviors, audience positive affect, and perceptions of music and the performer at live electronic dance music (EDM) events. Despite the DJ's central role in creating event atmosphere, little empirical research exists on how their actions impact audience experience. A field study was conducted in various EDM clubs in Belgium, recording DJ performances and collecting real-time audience feedback. Analyzed behaviors included dancing, grooving, eye contact, smiling, moving from the console, and console use. Results showed that DJs’ physical engagement, especially dancing, increased audience positive affect, while moving away from the console decreased it. However, these behaviors did not significantly influence perceptions of the DJ or music. The study highlights the potential of synchrony-facilitating behaviors to enhance audience's affect. This work provides insights into performer-audience interactions and optimizing emotional experiences at live music events.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143920266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatima Maria Felisberti, C. Alejandro Parraga, Neil Harrison
{"title":"Psychological Determinants of Aesthetic and Affective Preferences for Nature and Urban Scenes: Anxiety, Nature Exposure, and Mental Imagery","authors":"Fatima Maria Felisberti, C. Alejandro Parraga, Neil Harrison","doi":"10.1177/02762374251334989","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251334989","url":null,"abstract":"Artistic paintings and photographs are often used as alternatives to direct experiences of nature, and some may have restorative health effects not yet fully understood. This study examined if/how anxiety, sensory mental imagery, and prior exposure to nature impacted aesthetic and affective responses (AAR) to environmental scenes. Participants ( <jats:italic>n </jats:italic> = 368) evaluated nature and urban scenes via three sets of ratings: aesthetic (liking) and affective (perceived openness and anticipated relaxation). Results showed that the strength of visual mental imagery significantly predicted AAR. Prior exposure to nature modulated responses to some nature scenes but had no effect on urban scenes. Higher anxiety levels influenced some emotional responses but not aesthetic ones. Findings may have diagnostic implications for assessing elevated anxiety levels as well as for designing wellbeing-promoting spaces in areas where direct access to nature is limited, such as hospitals, detention centers, and underground workplaces.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143862851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Campo Redondo, Laura Gamboa, Gabriel Andrade
{"title":"Exposure to Fernando Botero’s Art Is Associated with Lower Implicit Bias Against People with Obesity","authors":"Maria Campo Redondo, Laura Gamboa, Gabriel Andrade","doi":"10.1177/02762374251331426","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251331426","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated associations of exposure to Fernando Botero's artwork with fatphobia. Using two 2 × 2 designs, participants were exposed to Botero's work and paintings with nudity. Implicit bias was measured using an Implicit Association Test, while explicit bias was assessed with the Fatphobia scale. Results showed that exposure to Botero's art was associated with reduced implicit bias against people with obesity, but had no association with explicit fatphobia. Nudity in art showed no association with either implicit or explicit biases, and no interaction effects were found. The study concludes that Botero's art could be leveraged through various means to combat fatphobia and promote inclusivity, highlighting the potential of art to influence societal attitudes towards body size.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"120 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143836648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Kind of Magic: Social Representations of Magic from Magicians and non-Magicians","authors":"Léonore Robieux, Cyril Thomas, Marion Botella","doi":"10.1177/02762374251324913","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251324913","url":null,"abstract":"Magic is an art form that creates illusory experiences of impossibility by generating a conflict between what we witness and what we believe about the world. The uniqueness of this art has intrigued researchers for over a century. The present study explores the social representations of magic among magicians and non-magicians to understand how these groups perceive magic. Utilizing the framework of Social Representations (SR), which encompasses shared ideas and beliefs, this research aims to better understand the existence of differentiated perceptions of the same object based on one's relationship and proximity to it. The study involved 424 participants, including magicians and non-magicians, who were asked to list words associated with magic. The hierarchical, descending classification analysis revealed five distinct classes of representations, highlighting differences based on interest and expertise in magic. Magicians view magic positively, emphasizing the emotional exchange with the audience, while non-magicians exhibit varied perspectives, from indifference to fascination, influenced by cognitive conflicts and emotional responses. These findings underline the importance of understanding diverse perceptions to enhance the magical experience and suggest further research into how prior beliefs and representations influence the suspension of disbelief.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Beauty of Nature Without People: An Investigation of the Roles of People, Nature, and Interpersonal Touch in Painting Preference","authors":"Young-Jin Hur, Sonia Abad-Hernando, Ramiro Joly-Mascheroni, MacKenzie D. Trupp, Beatriz Calvo-Merino","doi":"10.1177/02762374251320823","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251320823","url":null,"abstract":"While art, nature, and social interactions are key elements of a healthy culture and lifestyle, how nature and social factors in paintings impact the viewer experience still remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how the number of depicted people, the presence of interpersonal touch, and the setting (indoor vs. outdoor) affect art preference. A total of 420 paintings were rated (online survey) on their liking across 300 participants. Across participants, paintings without people were significantly liked over paintings with people, which was especially prominent in depictions of outdoor settings. Furthermore, while people liked paintings without touch, this was only the case for paintings of outdoor depictions. The study also explored how these preferences were modulated by individual differences. The findings underscore the relevance and importance of social aspects in art and how this interacts with the viewer's individuality.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"I Love Music! It Harmonizes Me! : Listening to Music Based on Adaptive Function of Music Listening (AFML) and its Influence on Study Engagement in Physical Education – A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Joseph Lobo","doi":"10.1177/02762374251329550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251329550","url":null,"abstract":"Music is more than just background noise—it shapes emotions, reinforces identity, and enhances engagement. This study examined the association between the adaptive functions of music listening and student engagement in Physical Education among first- and second-year college students in the Philippines. Findings revealed that music listening for adaptive functioning is significantly associated with study engagement. Specifically, music for emotional regulation and identity alignment was positively linked to engagement, while music for stress regulation showed a negative association, suggesting that reliance on music for stress relief may hinder full participation in PE. Despite these insights, the study is limited by self-report data, sample scope, and its quantitative approach, which focuses on associations rather than causation. Future research should explore cross-cultural contexts, incorporate qualitative perspectives, and examine additional factors. These findings highlight the complex role of adaptive music listening in education and its potential to enhance student motivation and engagement.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"93 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143666159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christa T. Mahlobo, Katherine N. Cotter, Sam Kirk, Morgan R. Delizia, Norah Aldawsari, Kirsten Calloway, Kim Lancaster, Jennifer Rossano, James O. Pawelski
{"title":"Exploring Black American Flourishing Through the Arts and Humanities: A Scoping Review","authors":"Christa T. Mahlobo, Katherine N. Cotter, Sam Kirk, Morgan R. Delizia, Norah Aldawsari, Kirsten Calloway, Kim Lancaster, Jennifer Rossano, James O. Pawelski","doi":"10.1177/02762374251320815","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251320815","url":null,"abstract":"Prior literature has shown that arts & humanities (A&H) engagement enhances flourishing; however, much of the existing literature has focused primarily on White American samples, creating a lack of evidence around the impacts of A&H on Black American flourishing. Furthermore, despite significant evidence demonstrating the impact of the arts on psychological, physical, and interpersonal flourishing, there is a lack of evidence focusing on the relationship between A&H and other key flourishing dimensions, such as transcendent or collective flourishing, that are salient within Black American communities. A scoping review was conducted to provide a comprehensive summary of literature connecting A&H to Black American flourishing across psychological, physical, interpersonal, collective, and transcendent dimensions of flourishing. Results: of this scoping review ( <jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 114 studies) revealed nuanced relationships between A&H engagement in Black Americans, including the impact of culturally relevant A&H engagement. Additionally, the review identified gaps in the literature regarding the study of the impact of A&H on transcendent flourishing in this population.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143653928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Does Art Make a Difference? – An Experimental Investigation of Differential Perception and Processing in the Reception of Artistic and Non-Artistic Apocalyptic Climate Images","authors":"Berend Barkela, Julia Ress","doi":"10.1177/02762374251320816","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374251320816","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, we investigate the differential impact of artistic versus documentary dystopian imagery of climate change using an experimental design (N = 1155, German access panel). We present supporting evidence for the hypotheses that abstract artworks depicting dystopian scenarios of climate change, compared to documentary photographs, lead to higher aesthetic judgments, are likely to evoke stronger positive and weaker negative emotions, and result in greater psychological distancing, lower attention to climate change, and reduced efficacy beliefs to mitigate climate change. Moreover, based on an exploratory content analysis, we show that most participants recognize a nature motif and reference to an environmental problem in both images. However, only the artwork prompted positive reactions or unique interpretations beyond the immediate subject of the image. Our study highlights a critical need for a balanced use of visual media in climate change advocacy.","PeriodicalId":45870,"journal":{"name":"Empirical Studies of the Arts","volume":"55 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143635658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}