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Aesthetic experiences and their transformative power: a systematic review.
Marta Pizzolante1, Matthew Pelowski2,3, Theresa Rahel Demmer2
1Research Center in Communication Psychology (PSICOM), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 18, 2024
Summary
Art and aesthetics can induce transformative experiences (TEs), leading to significant personal change. This review identifies key psychological components and conditions that facilitate these profound aesthetic encounters.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Aesthetics
- Art Therapy
Background:
- Transformative experiences (TEs) involve profound personal adjustments, altering worldviews, identity, and emotions.
- Emerging literature suggests art and aesthetics can act as powerful catalysts for TEs, though their psychological impact is debated.
- A comprehensive understanding of the psychological components driving aesthetic TEs is currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on aesthetic transformative experiences.
- To identify key psychological components and conditions that facilitate TEs within art and aesthetic contexts.
- To address gaps in psychological inquiry regarding art's role in profound personal transformation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of psychological literature and studies on art/aesthetics' psychological impact.
- Adherence to PRISMA guidelines and independent review by three researchers.
- Protocol registered on PROSPERO (Registration no.: CRD42022298655).
Main Results:
- Out of 39,440 identified studies, 23 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria.
- Art and aesthetics are confirmed as significant elicitors of transformation, irrespective of artwork type or context.
- Key psychological components identified include: facilitating conditions, cognitive discrepancy, epiphany/insight, and recipient after-effects.
Conclusions:
- This review refines the concept of transformative experiences, highlighting art's potential.
- Identified psychological components provide a framework for understanding aesthetic transformation.
- Findings support applications in psychology, education, and therapeutic interventions.
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