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Go See Art, Make Music, Feel Better


by Jerome Weeks 26 May 2011 9:52 AM

A new study says there’s a strong link between cultural activities – either making art or enjoying it – and a person’s well-being. Interesting sidelight: This link has nothing to do with education or wealth, yet it’s different according to sex.

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According to a Norwegian study published in the British Medical Association’s Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, people who attend concerts or visit museums or who paint, play instruments, sculpt, act, whatever — are more satisfied with their lives. Surprisingly, the results did not correlate to their levels of education or wealth.

Also interesting: The link between life satisfaction and cultural activity is not the same for both sexes. For men, it’s more relaxation — being an audience member — that triggers the well-being (an uptick in mood and health). For women, it’s playing music or creating art that lessens anxiety or depression.

Two issues are left unresolved in the Discovery News report: First, is this true for both leisure time activities and the professional work of artists? Second, which came first: Are culturally active people happier/healthier to begin with and seek such outlets? Or do these outlets actually change people’s outlooks?

Image of Droopy from silalice’s blog

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