Study Finds Gallery Visits Reduce Stress, Benefit Immune & Autonomic Systems
New research indicates that viewing original art in galleries has a demonstrably positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing, acting as an “antidote to stress.” The study, funded by the art Fund and the Psychiatry Research Trust, found that exposure to original artwork together affected the immune, endocrine, and autonomic nervous systems.
Researchers, led by Dr. Tony Woods, monitored participants’ heart rates, skin temperature, and saliva while they viewed art. They observed drops in certain cytokine proteins – messengers for the immune system linked to stress and inflammatory diseases - by 30 and 28 percent in the group viewing originals, compared to no change in those viewing reproductions.
“The research clearly shows the stress-reducing properties of viewing original art and its ability to simultaneously excite, engage and arouse us,” Dr. Woods stated. “This is a unique finding and somthing we were genuinely surprised to see.”
The study also noted lowered levels of stress hormones and inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, suggesting a potential role for cultural experiences in protecting against health problems like heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Participants also exhibited signs of physical excitement,including slight drops in skin temperature and more varied heartbeat patterns.
Jenny Waldman,director at the Art Fund,emphasized the broad applicability of the findings: “This study proves for the first time what we’ve long felt at Art Fund: that art realy is good for you. What’s particularly exciting is that the findings show these benefits are worldwide – they can be experienced by anyone.”
The research has not yet undergone peer review. The Art Fund encourages individuals to visit local museums and galleries to experience these benefits firsthand.
