Simply looking at visual art—whether in a museum, hospital, or even a virtual space—can measurably improve mental well-being, according to a new international review of psychological research.
In an analysis of 38 studies involving more than 6,800 participants, psychologists from the University of Vienna, Trinity College Dublin, and Humboldt University of Berlin found that viewing visual art enhances eudaimonic well-being—a form of mental health tied to meaning, personal growth, and self-realization. The findings suggest that art may serve as a low-cost, accessible tool for improving mental health across everyday environments.
The researchers identified benefits across a wide range of environments, including museums, galleries, hospitals, clinics, and even virtual reality settings. The types of art linked to improved well-being were equally diverse, spanning figurative, abstract, modern, and contemporary works, as well as photography, sculpture, and installations. Well-known pieces such as Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night were among those highlighted in the review.
“People often think of art as a luxury, but our research suggests that viewing art—whether as a hobby or as a targeted health intervention—can meaningfully support wellbeing,” said MacKenzie Trupp, lead author and researcher at the University of Vienna and Radboud UMC, Donders Institute.
“By reframing art as a low-cost, accessible wellbeing resource, this research opens up exciting possibilities for integrating art into everyday environments and public health strategies,” Trupp added.
“While the mental health benefits of creating art have been widely explored, the impact of viewing art has been under-researched and undervalued,” added Claire Howlin, Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Psychology.
In 2019, the World Health Organization advocated for the inclusion of creative approaches alongside conventional clinical care. While art is often appreciated for its visual appeal, it can also support self-esteem and personal identity—both important factors in managing life’s stresses.
Health and arts councils across Europe are now seeking high-quality evidence to determine which types of art are most effective for specific medical outcomes, a process that could inform larger, more comprehensive studies in the future.
“Public art possesses a unique ability to invite people into a space that exists in between ideology,” says Gregory Alan Thornbury, Ph.D., the Executive Director of Silver Art Projects in 4 World Trade Center. “Unlike most images that we see in modern life, much of which is marketing and advertising, visual art gives us the chance to see things in a different light.”
Thornbury told The Debrief that public art also helps to offer a temporary escape from “the pool of soft narcissism that is encouraged by the algorithms that seek to influence our behavior.”
“And increasingly,” Thornbury notes, “social service organizations and the like are talking about ‘social prescribing’ – not only to have a routine of seeing art but learning to do anything artful ourselves – whether that be painting, drawing, playing music, or dancing.”
“To quote Elbert Hubbard, ‘Art is not a thing. It is a way.’”
The Debrief also asked fine artist Nate X what, in his opinion, makes visual art uniquely capable of enhancing well-being compared to other forms of creative expression.
“Visual art is unique in this way because it operates through sustained visual presence rather than linear time,” the artist explained. “Unlike music or literature, it allows prolonged contemplation, enabling the viewer to project meaning, revisit interpretations, and integrate personal experience at their own pace.”
“This open-ended engagement supports self-reflection, identity formation, and a sense of coherence, by making meaning something the viewer actively constructs rather than passively receives,” Nate X told The Debrief.
More Than Just Aesthetics
In their recent study, the researchers also noted inconsistencies in the methodologies used across past studies, prompting the creation of the Receptive Art Activity Research Reporting Guidelines (RAARR). These guidelines aim to standardize future research and support the development of more robust, replicable findings.
Overall, the study underscores that art is more than an aesthetic experience. It can serve as a practical, low-cost tool for enhancing well-being and helping people cultivate a greater sense of meaning in their lives.
“Visual art is present in everyday spaces—museums, galleries, hospitals, and homes—and understanding its effects can unlock new avenues for promoting wellbeing through simple, daily encounters with art,” Howlin said.
The study, “The impact of viewing art on well-being—a systematic review of the evidence base and suggested mechanisms,” was published in The Journal of Positive Psychology.
Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and the founder of VOCAB Communications. She currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max and hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, which can be found on YouTube and on all audio podcast streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and chrissynewton.com. To contact Chrissy with a story, please email chrissy @ thedebrief.org.