The two groups wore sensors that continuously measured their heart rate and skin temperature during the 20-minute session, with saliva samples collected pre- and post-viewing.<\/p>\n
From these samples, researchers found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol fell by an average of 22% among those viewing original art, compared with just 8% among those viewing reproductions.<\/p>\n
Certain cytokines \u2060\u2013 proteins that act as messengers for the immune system \u2060\u2013 linked to stress and chronic disease also fell by 30% and 28% respectively among those in the gallery, with no changes among the other group.<\/p>\n
Tony Woods, researcher at King’s College London, said: “The research clearly shows the stress-reducing properties of viewing original art and its ability to excite, engage and arouse us simultaneously.”<\/p>\n
“Stress hormones and inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are linked to a wide range of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression.”<\/p>\n
“The fact that viewing original art lowered these markers suggests that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body.”<\/p>\n
The study also found that art engages the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, which are responsible for releasing hormones.<\/p>\n
Researchers detected signs of excitement among those viewing art in the gallery, including a dip in skin temperature, overall higher heart rates and a variation in heartbeat patterns.<\/p>\n
Woods said: “From a scientific perspective, the most exciting outcome is that art had a positive impact on three different body systems \u2060\u2013 the immune, endocrine and autonomic systems \u2060\u2013 at the same time. This is a unique finding and something we were genuinely surprised to see.”<\/p>\n
“In short, our unique and original study provides compelling evidence that viewing art in a gallery is ‘good for you’ and helps to further our understanding of its fundamental benefits. In essence, art doesn’t just move us emotionally \u2060\u2013 it calms the body too.”<\/p>\n
Each person’s emotional intelligence was also assessed before the study using questionnaires.<\/p>\n
However, researchers suggest this had no impact on individual responses.<\/p>\n
Jenny Waldman, director at the Art Fund, which co-funded the study, said: “This study proves for the first time what we’ve long felt at Art Fund \u2060\u2013 that art really is good for you.”<\/p>\n
“What’s particularly exciting is that the findings show these benefits are universal \u2060\u2013 anyone can experience them.”<\/p>\n
“We want to encourage everyone to make time to visit their local museum or gallery and experience these powerful effects for themselves.”<\/p>\n
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