Art appreciation and depression

At one point, I was studying the relationship between certain religions and depression and I found that art appreciation has been found in various studies to reduce or ameliorate psychological depression.  Outwardly, when we think of the “Hot or Not” contest or May Madness, it might seem to be pointless and/or hurtful.  But the question is whether or not there are some benefits.  Do boys and men have better mental health by appreciating the women and girls who are pretty?  Do the girls and women have any benefits that come to them from seeking to be pretty, by flirting or being attractive?

One “study finds that an appreciation of culture and the arts can do wonders for a man’s health, including lowering his risk of anxiety and depression.” Men who went to museums or art exhibits had a 14% greater chance of reporting good health than those who did not take in these events . . .

I think that there are other studies with similar conclusions, but I have not looked for them in the past day so as to add them to this webpage.  Perhaps I will go looking for some more of the studies on a different day, showing that art and music appreciation are good for one’s mental health, at least if that is measured by reducing or eliminating depression.

Here are some results from a study on the relationship between art appreciation and mental health . . .

A study released by the University of Western Australia has found that enjoying and participating in the arts for just two hours per week can have a positive effect on our mental health and overall wellness.

More than 700 Western Australians took part in the study and were asked about their interests and involvement in the arts for enjoyment, entertainment or as a hobby.

Their love of the arts included things like photography, music, painting, theatre, craft, fashion, reading and sculpture, and their involvement could include being a spectator or actually taking part in the act of artistic expression.

I will continue to research this topic . . .  I did some research on this topic 2 or 3 years ago, and I think some of the conclusions I found were even more striking.  (By research, I mean, I searched for and read conclusions and findings of studies.)

Here is the advice from Dr. “Hubpages.”

How Art Appreciation Improves Quality of Life

Ways to Learn what Pleases You the Most

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