Influence of an art museum visit on individuals' psychological and physiological indicators of stress. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ter-Kazarian, Kristina; Luke, Jessica J.
• Is Part Of: Museums & social issues. Volume 14:Number 1/2(2019)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Museum -- arts -- culture -- health and well-being -- public health -- stress; Museums -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Museums -- Social aspects -- United States -- Periodicals; Museums -- Political aspects -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals; United States -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 069
• DOI: 10.1080/15596893.2021.1986896
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1559-6893

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In recent years, museums have actively embraced their role in health and well-being. Although the interest in examining museums' health impacts is growing, the field lacks robust evidence of measurable well-being benefits that would allow art museums to expand their social role and realize their health-enhancing potential for the communities they serve. The purpose of our study was to explore the influence of a brief art museum visit on people's psychological and physiological indicators of stress, including self-reported stress, self-reported arousal, and saliva cortisol. A single group pre- and post-test approach was used, and data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and saliva samples ( n = 31). Results demonstrated that average levels of self-reported stress and arousal were significantly reduced by a museum visit; levels of saliva cortisol were unchanged. The research suggests that art museums have an opportunity to strengthen their social role by becoming health and well-being resources for their communities.