Psych Central News
Using Neuroscience to Better Appreciate Art
New research suggests both perspectives are important and that each should be combined to appropriately value the work.
Neuroscientists believe that biological processes in the brain determine whether one likes a work of art or not. Historians and philosophers say that this is far too narrow a viewpoint.
They believe that what you know about the artist’s intentions, when the work was created, and other external factors, also affect how you experience a work of art.
A new model that combines both the historical and the psychological approach has been developed.
“We think that both traditions are just as important, although incomplete. We want to show that they complement each other,” said Dr. Rolf Reber, professor of psychology at the University of Bergen.
Together with Nicolas Bullot, Ph.D., of Macquarie University in Australia, he has developed a new model to help us better appreciate art. Study results are published in the journal Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
Neuroscientists often measure brain activity to find out how much an individual likes a work of art, without investigating whether he or she actually understands the work. This is insufficient, as artistic understanding also affects assessment, Reber said.
Previous research showed that a painting that is difficult — yet possible — to interpret, is felt to be more meaningful than a painting that one looks at and understands immediately.
Several artists exemplify this technique, including painters Eugène Delacroix (to depict war) and J.M.W. Turner in “Snow Storm.”
When you have to struggle to understand, you can have an eye-opening experience, which the brain appreciates, according to Reber.
Reber’s research combined measuring brain activity, interviewing test persons about thoughts and reactions, and charting their artistic knowledge. He believes this multifactorial approach helps researcher’s gain new and exciting insight into what makes people appreciate good works of art.
The model can be used for visual art, music, theatre and literature, Reber said.
Source: The University of Bergen
Adriano Castelli / Shutterstock.com
Worldwide, Sex Info for Youth Still Scant, Misleading
Researchers found this has led many young people to feel that they may grow up without fully understanding things they are currently experiencing, such as menstruation, let alone preparing themselves for future sexual relationships and adulthood.
In some cases misinformation (or dated information) is being disseminated or reinforced by the very people who are entrusted with young people’s care, according to researchers.
For example, some caregivers for those living with HIV tell them, or allow them to believe, that they will not be able to have sexual relationships.
In the issue, several papers demonstrate the power of families and communities in reinforcing the status quo and resisting change. Researchers found that sometimes this establishment actively colludes in, condones, and encourages harmful conventions such as early marriage, coercive and transactional sex.
The importance and needs of adolescents have been addressed in programs of action, policy documents, conventions, conference resolutions, and task force recommendations over recent years.
However, as one paper explains, policies are often not backed with appropriate action. In the words of editor Marge Berer, there are “miles to go and promises to keep.”
Papers included in the themed issue are from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Nicaragua, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, UK, USA and Zambia.
They address a wide range of issues affecting young people including HIV fears and misconceptions, menstruation, sexual harassment, transgender-related health care, sex education, contraceptive implants, teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation, safe abortion, social media for health promotion, and more.
Links to cultually relevant peer-reviewed videos have been included in RHM alongside papers on their production.
Videos from South Africa have been developed to promote sexual health messages; two films from Ecuador were developed to promote discussion of young people’s sexual health needs, as well as older people’s reflections on changing sexual mores.
Source: Elsevier
Teenagers being intimate photo by shutterstock.
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