How art transforms us

Original source: This content has been taken from the American Psychological Association (APA). It is used for informational purposes, citing its original authorship.

As autumn settles in, it’s a natural time to slow down, reflect, and turn inward. Psychologists say that engaging with art can help us do just that.

Through the growing science of neuroaesthetics, researchers are uncovering what happens in the brain when art moves or transforms us—and how that same process can support personal growth, strengthen empathy, and even inspire social change.

A recent World Health Organization report highlights the power of the arts to ease depression and anxiety, aid trauma recovery, guard against cognitive decline, and build social connection. Music, for example, can foster language development in children and help adults rebuild neural pathways after a stroke.

According to a framework developed by Anjan Chatterjee, MD, a professor of neurology, psychology, and architecture and founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics at the University of Pennsylvania, and Oshin Vartanian, PhD, a psychological scientist at the University of Toronto, our response to art arises from the interaction between three brain systems:

• The sensory-motor system, which takes in what we see or hear, like color or movement.
• The emotion-valuation system, which processes feelings of reward and pleasure.
• The knowledge-meaning system, which draws on our memories and experiences, giving an artwork deeper personal significance.

In other words, art is far more than what we see—it’s what we feel and remember.

Research also shows that when we engage with art we find meaningful, the brain’s default mode network—a region linked to introspection—lights up. This response can prime us for creativity, inspiration, and self-discovery.

So how can we bring more of art’s transformative power into our lives and communities?

Ways to harness the power of art

• Facilitate social interactions around art. When museumgoers view art together and talk about what they see, they report greater well-being and stronger social connection than those who view pieces silently side by side.
• Use art to foster empathy and prosocial attitudes. The arts have long been a medium for commentary and activism. In one study by Ellen Winner, PhD, a professor emerita at Boston College who studies the psychology of art, people who read a literary memoir by an undocumented immigrant showed significantly greater empathy toward immigrants—especially those who were initially unsympathetic—than readers of a news-style article on the same topic.
• Provide context to deepen understanding. People often prefer art from their own cultures, but the right background information can help them appreciate unfamiliar works. Learning about an artist’s story or technique can bridge cultural divides and reduce bias, Chatterjee says.
• Practice and promote “slow looking.” Slowing down with art—studying its details, reflecting on emotions it evokes, or considering what it reminds us of—can turn a simple viewing into an act of mindfulness and self-discovery.
• Empower inclusive and diverse engagement. Traditional arts venues like museums and opera houses have not always felt welcoming to everyone. By validating different ways of experiencing art and emphasizing that there’s no “right” response, educators and health professionals can help people connect to the arts in meaningful, personal ways.

Why music is healing

From soothing stress to helping stroke patients regain speech, music’s impact on the brain continues to capture scientists’ attention. Researchers are uncovering how our brains process rhythm, melody, and harmony—and how those elements can be harnessed to improve health and well-being in areas as varied as chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and recovery from brain injury.

In fact, one study found that just 45 minutes of creative engagement—especially listening to music—can reduce anxiety by 25%.

In this Speaking of Psychology podcast episode, renowned soprano Renée Fleming, editor of the book Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, joined music cognition researcher Aniruddh Patel, PhD, to explore the science connecting music, mind, and body. They discuss how music supports child development, aids pain management, and strengthens brain function for people recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury. The conversation also delves into the promise of embedding the arts into health care, the latest evidence behind music therapy, and what’s next for this growing field of research.

How to cultivate your creative spark

Creativity fuels innovation, fulfillment, and growth—it helps us solve problems, connect with others, and find meaning in our work and lives.

“Creativity is at the core of innovation. We rely on innovation for advancing humanity, as well as for pleasure and entertainment,” says Jonathan Schooler, PhD, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Thanks to advances in brain imaging, psychologists and neuroscientists are uncovering new insights into what it means to be creative—and how we can strengthen that ability. Research shows that creativity relies on coordination between multiple brain networks and activates the brain’s reward system.

While some people may naturally have more imaginative minds, anyone can nurture creativity with practice and intention. Here are five science-backed ways to foster creativity and reap its rewards:

1. Put in the work. Creativity isn’t just inspiration—it’s practice. Whether you’re writing, designing, or problem-solving at work, carve out regular time to learn, experiment, and refine your craft.
2. Let your mind wander. Try “daydreaming with purpose.” Give your thoughts space to roam while gently steering them toward the challenge you’re tackling. Some research suggests meditation can help strengthen this skill.
3. Make remote connections. During brainstorming, jot down every idea—no matter how unrelated or bold. Divergent thinking often leads to surprising and valuable connections.
4. Step into nature. Time outdoors, especially in wide-open spaces, can expand attention, spark mind-wandering, and boost creative thinking.
5. Revisit your ideas. “Aha!” moments can feel exhilarating—but that high can make us overvalue early ideas. Revisit them later with fresh eyes to refine and strengthen your work.

What counts for “good” art?

Psychologists are diving into these questions and more, using scientific methods to understand why people create art, how we experience it, and how it impacts us.

Ellen Winner, PhD, of Boston College joined APA’s Speaking of Psychology podcast to discuss art as an open concept with fluidity in interpretations over time, the difference between a prodigy and someone who’s talented, why we seek out art that makes us sad, and why art forgeries bother us. Winner also spoke about the intrinsic value of arts education, and her research on whether experiencing art such as listening to music or reading novels makes us insightful and empathetic.