1
|
Duer C, Weiler SM, Jacobsen T. Bad beauty: Aesthetic judgments are influenced by references to morally contentious content in photographs. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 248:104404. [PMID: 39003993 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Affective responses can influence evaluative judgments, but how are subjective beauty ratings affected by references to morally contentious elements in aesthetic stimuli? In an online experiment (N = 460), we investigated the relationship between two types of descriptive texts (Neutral vs. Negative) and the beauty ratings of 25 photographs that depict sources of environmental pollution. For each photograph, the neutral descriptive text contained general information, whereas the negative descriptive text addressed the pollution source. Further, we explored whether this relationship is mediated by changes in positive and negative affect, and how it interacts with the biospheric values of participants. Our results showed that (1) participants in the Negative Condition rated the photographs as less beautiful than in the Neutral Condition, (2) this relationship was partially mediated by changes in negative affect, and (3) in the Negative Condition, participants with higher levels of biospheric values rated the photographs as less beautiful. Our results indicate that individual values, as well as affective responses induced by aesthetic stimuli, directly influence subjective beauty. This aligns with current theoretical frameworks and fills a gap in experimental research. Finally, we discuss limitations and directions for future studies. PSYCHINFO CLASSIFICATION CODE: 2340.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Duer
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Helmut Schmidt University, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg 22043, Germany.
| | - Selina M Weiler
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Helmut Schmidt University, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg 22043, Germany.
| | - Thomas Jacobsen
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Helmut Schmidt University, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg 22043, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vieira A, Emerenciano NG, Moda MD, Silva Ú, Fagundes TC, Danelon M, Cunha RF. Treatment of Molar-incisor Hypomineralization: A Case Report of 11-year Clinical Follow-up. Oper Dent 2023; 48:121b-129. [PMID: 36656323 DOI: 10.2341/21-150-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this case report was to describe an 11-year follow-up of a patient presenting with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) having yellowish and porous permanent incisors and molars. Clinical examination revealed demarcated brown opacities on one upper and one lower central incisor and three first permanent molars. Initially, treatment involved oral hygiene and periodic fluoride varnish application. Subsequently, the occlusal surfaces of the affected molars were restored or sealed with glass ionomer cement. At-home dental bleaching was also performed. Areas of unsatisfactory esthetics on the incisors were replaced by composite resins. This report discussed the patient's needs and expectations, the difficulties of prolonged treatment for patients with MIH, and the restorative protocol involving at-home dental bleaching and composite resins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apm Vieira
- Ana Paula Miranda Vieira, DDS, MS, PhD student, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - N G Emerenciano
- Nayara Gonçalves Emerenciano, DDS, MS, PhD, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - M D Moda
- Mariana Dias Moda, DDS, MS, PhD, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Úae Silva
- Úrsula Aparecida Escalero Silva, DDS, MS, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - T C Fagundes
- Ticiane Cestari Fagundes, DDS, MS, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - M Danelon
- Marcelle Danelon, DDS, MS, PhD, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - R F Cunha
- *Robson Frederico Cunha, DDS, MS, PhD, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vissers N, Wagemans J. What ugly and beautiful photographs reveal about COVID-19 lockdown experiences, everyday aesthetics and photography aesthetics. Br J Psychol 2022; 114:352-375. [PMID: 36573282 PMCID: PMC9880654 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted our daily (visual) experiences, we asked people to take an ugly and beautiful photograph from within their homes. In total, 284 photographs (142 ugly and 142 beautiful) and accompanying statements were submitted and brought to light an intimate portrait of how participants were experiencing their (lockdown) home environment. Results revealed an aesthetic preference for (living) nature. Beauty and ugliness were also connected to good versus bad views, mess versus cosiness, unflattering versus flattering portraits and positive versus negative (COVID-19) emotions. In terms of photography strategies, editing and colour were important for beautiful photographs, whereas a lack of effort and sharpness showed up relatively more in ugly photographs. A follow-up study revealed that other viewers' (n = 86) aesthetic judgements of the photographs were largely in line with the original submissions, and confirmed several of the themes. Overall, our study provides a unique photographic window on our everyday aesthetic experiences at home during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vissers
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Brain and CognitionKU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Johan Wagemans
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Brain and CognitionKU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Linz S, Jackson KJ, Atkins R. Using Mindfulness-Informed Photovoice to Explore Stress and Coping in Women Residing in Public Housing in a Low-Resourced Community. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2021; 60:23-31. [PMID: 34932420 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20211214-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The setting of the current study was an urban city where the majority of public housing residents are single females living in poverty. An adapted women's mindfulness program, including a Photovoice exercise, was offered to this vulnerable population. Stress contributes to poor mental/physical health. A Photovoice research method was used to elucidate the stressors and coping facilitators used by participants. Eleven participants took a digital photography workshop and then photographed stressors and coping facilitators. All 275 photographic submissions were analyzed thematically. Coping themes were: Aesthetics: Man-Made and Natural; Relationships: Pets and People; Self-Esteem and Cultural Identity; and Inspiration Through Religion and Social Media Messaging. Stress themes were: Urban Disarray and Existential Threat/Danger. Results showed that social connectedness, spirituality, improving neighborhood aesthetics, use of social media, and access to nature could support coping. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
Collapse
|
5
|
Song J, Kwak Y, Kim CY. Familiarity and Novelty in Aesthetic Preference: The Effects of the Properties of the Artwork and the Beholder. Front Psychol 2021; 12:694927. [PMID: 34367021 PMCID: PMC8345014 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.694927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Familiarity and novelty are fundamental yet competing factors influencing aesthetic preference. However, whether people prefer familiar paintings or novel paintings has not been clear. Using both behavioral and eye-tracking measures, the present study aimed to investigate whether the effect of familiarity-novelty on aesthetic preference is independent or dependent on artwork properties (painting content, visual complexity) and viewer characteristics (experience in art). Participants were presented with two images of paintings, one of which was repeatedly presented but was always paired with a new painting in a randomized lateral arrangement. They were asked to indicate which of the two images they preferred with the degree of their preference. Behavioral results demonstrated an interactive influence of painting content and complexity on familiarity-novelty preference, especially alongside the distinction between representational and abstract paintings. Also, the familiarity-novelty preference was modulated by the degree of art experience, for abstract paintings in particular. Gaze results showed the differential effects of painting content, complexity, and art experience echoing the behavioral results. Taken together, the convergent results derived from behavioral and eye-tracking measures imply that novelty is an important feature of aesthetic appreciation, but its influence is modulated by properties of both the artwork and the beholder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Song
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yuna Kwak
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chai-Youn Kim
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wassiliwizky E, Menninghaus W. Why and How Should Cognitive Science Care about Aesthetics? Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:437-449. [PMID: 33810983 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Empirical aesthetics has found its way into mainstream cognitive science. Until now, most research has focused either on identifying the internal processes that underlie a perceiver's aesthetic experience or on identifying the stimulus features that lead to a specific type of aesthetic experience. To progress, empirical aesthetics must integrate these approaches into a unified paradigm that encourages researchers to think in terms of temporal dynamics and interactions between: (i) the stimulus and the perceiver; (ii) different systems within the perceiver; and (iii) different layers of the stimulus. At this critical moment, empirical aesthetics must also clearly identify and define its key concepts, sketch out its agenda, and specify its approach to grow into a coherent and distinct discipline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Wassiliwizky
- Department of Language and Literature, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Grueneburgweg 14, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Winfried Menninghaus
- Department of Language and Literature, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Grueneburgweg 14, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
What Experts Appreciate in Patterns: Art Expertise Modulates Preference for Asymmetric and Face-Like Patterns. Symmetry (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/sym12050707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study set out to investigate whether and how aesthetic evaluations of different types of symmetric, as well as abstract vs. representational patterns are modulated by art expertise. To this end, we utilized abstract asymmetric, symmetric, and “broken” patterns slightly deviating from symmetry, as well as more representational patterns resembling faces (also symmetric or broken). While it has already been shown that symmetry preference decreases with art expertise, it was still unclear whether an already established relationship between art expertise and preference for abstract over representational art can be similarly found as a preference for abstract over representational patterns, as these are non-art objects. Nevertheless, we found profound differences in aesthetic preferences between art experts and laypersons. While art experts rated asymmetric patterns higher than laypersons, as expected, they rated face-like patterns lower than laypersons. Also, laypersons rated all other types of patterns higher than asymmetric patterns, while art experts rated the other patterns similar or lower than asymmetric patterns. We found this both for liking and for interest ratings. As no differences between art experts and laypersons were found regarding memory recognition of new and old patterns, this effect is not likely due to differences in memory performance. In sum, this study further extends our knowledge about the influence of art expertise on aesthetic appreciation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Skov M, Nadal M. A Farewell to Art: Aesthetics as a Topic in Psychology and Neuroscience. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2020; 15:630-642. [PMID: 32027577 DOI: 10.1177/1745691619897963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Empirical aesthetics and neuroaesthetics study two main issues: the valuation of sensory objects and art experience. These two issues are often treated as if they were intrinsically interrelated: Research on art experience focuses on how art elicits aesthetic pleasure, and research on valuation focuses on special categories of objects or emotional processes that determine the aesthetic experience. This entanglement hampers progress in empirical aesthetics and neuroaesthetics and limits their relevance to other domains of psychology and neuroscience. Substantial progress in these fields is possible only if research on aesthetics is disentangled from research on art. We define aesthetics as the study of how and why sensory stimuli acquire hedonic value. Under this definition, aesthetics becomes a fundamental topic for psychology and neuroscience because it links hedonics (the study of what hedonic valuation is in itself) and neuroeconomics (the study of how hedonic values are integrated into decision making and behavioral control). We also propose that this definition of aesthetics leads to concrete empirical questions, such as how perceptual information comes to engage value signals in the reward circuit or why different psychological and neurobiological factors elicit different appreciation events for identical sensory objects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Skov
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre.,Decision Neuroscience Research Cluster, Copenhagen Business School
| | - Marcos Nadal
- Human Evolution and Cognition Group, Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complex Systems, University of the Balearic Islands/Spanish National Research Council
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boddez Y, Descheemaeker M, Mertens G, Truyts A, Van de Cruys S. Like what you see: Generalization of social learning determines art appreciation. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2019; 196:18-25. [PMID: 30965201 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examine whether a stimulus generalization framework can provide insight in how experience shapes evaluative responses to artworks. Participants received positive information about one artwork and negative information about another artwork. Afterwards, we tested their evaluative responses not only to these artworks but also to similar artworks, which allowed us to assess generalization. Results showed that the artwork that was paired with positive information and the artwork that was similar to it were evaluated more positively than the other artworks. These findings confirm that theories that aim to explain art appreciation could benefit from taking learning and its generalization into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Boddez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Mathilde Descheemaeker
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gaëtan Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Truyts
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sander Van de Cruys
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Brain & Cognition Unit, KU Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mencke I, Omigie D, Wald-Fuhrmann M, Brattico E. Atonal Music: Can Uncertainty Lead to Pleasure? Front Neurosci 2019; 12:979. [PMID: 30670941 PMCID: PMC6331456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the field of neuroaesthetics has gained considerable attention with music being a favored object of study. The majority of studies concerning music have, however, focused on the experience of Western tonal music (TM), which is characterized by tonal hierarchical organization, a high degree of consonance, and a tendency to provide the listener with a tonic as a reference point during the listening experience. We argue that a narrow focus on Western TM may have led to a one-sided view regarding the qualities of the aesthetic experience of music since Western art music from the 20th and 21st century like atonal music (AM) – while lacking a tonal hierarchical structure, and while being highly dissonant and hard to predict – is nevertheless enjoyed by a group of avid listeners. We propose a research focus that investigates, in particular, the experience of AM as a novel and compelling way with which to enhance our understanding of both the aesthetic appreciation of music and the role of predictive models in the context of musical pleasure. We use music theoretical analysis and music information retrieval methods to demonstrate how AM presents the listener with a highly uncertain auditory environment. Specifically, an analysis of a corpus of 100 musical segments is used to illustrate how tonal classical music and AM differ quantitatively in terms of both key and pulse clarity values. We then examine person related, extrinsic and intrinsic factors, that point to potential mechanisms underlying the appreciation and pleasure derived from AM. We argue that personality traits like “openness to experience,” the framing of AM as art, and the mere exposure effect are key components of such mechanisms. We further argue that neural correlates of uncertainty estimation could represent a central mechanism for engaging with AM and that such contexts engender a comparatively weak predictive model in the listener. Finally we argue that in such uncertain contexts, correct predictions may be more subjectively rewarding than prediction errors since they signal to the individual that their predictive model is improving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Mencke
- Department of Music, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Diana Omigie
- Department of Music, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Wald-Fuhrmann
- Department of Music, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elvira Brattico
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Pourhosein R, Mohammadi-Zarghan S, Soufiabadi M, Atari M. Ego development and aesthetic judgment styles in Iranian adults. PSYCHOLOGICAL THOUGHT 2017. [DOI: 10.5964/psyct.v10i1.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of ego development presents a comprehensive framework to understand personality development throughout the stages of life. In this developmental theory, the ego is considered a cognitive-based structure and the primary synthesizing and regulating agent in personality development. Art appreciation and aesthetic judgment are considered to have personality correlates and developmental aspects. The current study aimed to examine the association between ego development and aesthetic judgment styles in adults. We recruited 202 adults from a community sample in Tehran, Iran. The age of participants in this study ranged from 18 to 64 (M = 29.5, SD = 8.9). Consistent with our hypotheses, results indicated that concrete aesthetic judgment was negatively associated with ego development. Moreover, analytical and emotional aesthetic judgment styles were positively correlated with ego development. In conclusion, individuals who scored higher in ego development tended to use more advanced aesthetic judgment styles when exposed to art.
Collapse
|