Minutes

Pelowski, Matthew; Cotter, Katherine N.; Specker, Eva; Fingerhut, Joerg; Trupp, MacKenzie D.; Speidel, Klaus (2026) How lasting is the impact of art? An exploratory study of the incidence and duration of art exhibition-induced prosocial attitude change using a 2-week daily diary method. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 20(1), 181–204. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000670

Can visiting an art exhibit change the way we think about others? Austrian, American, German, and French scientists examined whether art could increase empathy and positive attitudes toward others and whether these changes last. 

These psychologists conducted two studies at Vienna’s Dom Museum with an exhibition focused on vulnerability, refugees, and social issues. They administered a questionnaire measuring empathy, prosocial attitudes, self-reported xenophobia, mood, and behaviors. In the first study, 41 museum visitors completed questionnaires before and after viewing the exhibit. In the second study, 41 psychology students completed the identical survey immediately before and after attending the exhibition, plus the same measures daily for two weeks. 

Results? The visitors and students showed more empathic concern and prosocial thoughts. They also reported lower self-reported prejudice. Although most students returned to their beginning rate by the next day, some students’ empathetic thoughts remained higher the following week. 

So, can art change us? Yes, but the effects appear short-lived. A single museum visit may spark empathy and reflection, but lasting attitude change takes continuing similar experiences. How might you find more empathy? Attend diverse exhibitions, lectures, and movies where others deal empathetically with prejudices. May we all be more empathetic and supportive! 

Written by Dan Peacock M.S.