How creative activities influence brain function and mental health
We are closer than ever to understanding how creative activities influence brain function and mental health. Our handpicked studies showcase legitimate insights into the power of those to increase psychological resilience, reduction in anxiety and depression, as well as emotional well-being.
A 2014 study showed participants who actively created art exhibited significant improvements in the functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), particularly between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the prefrontal cortex. Through the involvement of post-retirement adults engaging in a 10-week visual art production course, with fMRI scans conducted before and after the intervention, this enhanced brain connectivity was also closely linked to increased psychological resilience. It is important to note that the default mode network is a group of brain regions that are more active during restful introspection and self-referential thinking than during goal-oriented tasks. Improved connectivity within this network indicates more efficient communication and coordination between these regions, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy mental state, hence allowing art to improve stress resilience and emotional regulation.
Art making vs. art evaluation
Art making and art evaluation have different effects on brain activity though. Indeed, the same study highlights those who engaged in cognitive art evaluation—analyzing and discussing art rather than creating it—showed less pronounced changes in DMN connectivity and did not experience the same boost in resilience. This difference underscores a critical point: the act of creation, with its demands on both cognitive and motor skills, seems to integrate brain regions more effectively than passive engagement.
Another 2016 study found that participation in group arts activities, whether through music, dance, or visual arts, is associated with reduced anxiety and depression and increased life satisfaction. This is not just about individual engagement but about the social and communal aspects of creating and experiencing art together. The arts provide a unique space for emotional expression and cognitive engagement, serving as a powerful tool for building community and personal well-being.
In addition, a study titled “Toward a Brain-Based Theory of Beauty” delves into the neural correlates of aesthetic experience and suggests a unified neural mechanism for the experience of beauty, irrespective of the sensory modality. By examining fMRI scans of participants who were rating the beauty of visual art and music, the researchers were able to point to a fundamental human capacity to perceive and appreciate beauty, a capacity that is deeply rooted in our brain’s structure.
What emerges from these studies is a narrative of art as a catalyst for cognitive and emotional growth. The active creation of art not only enhances brain connectivity but also builds resilience, while broader engagement in the arts fosters mental health and community. At the same time, the perception of beauty, whether in a painting or a piece of music, taps into a shared neural substrate, highlighting the universality of the aesthetic experience.
Importance of art in modern society
In a world increasingly driven by technology and efficiency, these findings remind us of the profound importance of art. Engaging with art is not a luxury but a necessity for our cognitive and emotional well-being. It nurtures our brains, strengthens our resilience, and connects us to a shared human experience of beauty and creativity. As we continue to explore the depths of our neural landscapes, the transformative power of art stands as a testament to the intricate, holistic nature of human health and happiness.
References:
Davies, C., Knuiman, M. & Rosenberg, M. The art of being mentally healthy: a study to quantify the relationship between recreational arts engagement and mental well-being in the general population. BMC Public Health 16, 15 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2672-7 Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F.R., Dörfler, A. & Maihöfner, C. How Art Changes Your Brain: Differential Effects of Visual Art Production and Cognitive Art Evaluation on Functional Brain Connectivity. PLOS ONE 9, e101035 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101035
Ishizu, T. & Zeki, S. Toward A Brain-Based Theory of Beauty. PLoS ONE 6, e21852 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0021852.
