Scientists from the University of Turku in Finland have determined how looking at works of art affects the human body and emotions. Results of the study published In the journal Cognition and Emotion.
More than 1,000 people from different countries participated in the study. They examined 300 works. While viewing the images, the scientists tracked the movement of the subjects’ eyes. Participants also explained what emotions each piece evoked.
“Although many of the studies have touched on frightening issues, the emotions people experienced were mostly positive. Human figures in works of art have been the most popular and viewed subject. “People tend to empathize with each other’s feelings, and that’s probably also the case when we look at works of art.”
According to researchers, art activates the pleasure centers of the brain, leading to positive emotions. Therefore, art can be used in the rehabilitation of patients.