From awe to anxiety: investigating art-induced self-transcendence using virtual reality.
Front Psychol April 16, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1753676 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractArt experiences can trigger self-transcendence—a feeling of connectedness beyond the self—but also anxiety. Using virtual reality, this research examines how different artworks evoke these opposing emotional states, showing that aesthetic encounters can lead to both awe and anxiety, depending on the content and context of the art.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Art-induced self-transcendence can manifest as both awe and anxiety, depending on the artwork and context. |
Abstract
From awe to anxiety: investigating art-induced self-transcendence using virtual reality.