YPIE Scientist: Jeimy Aguilar

Research: The Impact of Art Genres on Stress and Anxiety

Research Location: Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE)

Mentor: Dr. Humm

Awards: Participant - Regeneron STS, Participant - WESEF 2026

Abstract:

Anxiety and stress are among the most common mental health conditions globally, negatively impacting emotional well-being. While art therapy is frequently used to reduce these symptoms, limited research has identified which specific art genres are most effective. This study aimed to determine whether surrealism, abstract landscapes, realism, or mixed media art is most effective in reducing stress and anxiety among adolescents. It was hypothesized that abstract landscape paintings would produce the greatest decrease in stress levels due to their calming visual qualities. A total of 90 participants aged 15–18 were recruited through a public high school and social media outreach. Participants first completed a survey assessing their familiarity with art and genre preferences. Based on these responses, four genres—surrealism, abstract landscapes, realism, and mixed media—were selected for analysis. Participants were then shown artwork from each genre and completed a series of four surveys measuring their emotional responses before and after exposure. Responses were recorded using a Likert scale ranging from 0 (increased stress) to 5 (high relaxation). Contrary to the hypothesis, results showed that exposure to art did not consistently decrease stress levels and, in some cases, led to increased reported stress. However, among the four genres tested, abstract landscape paintings were the most effective at reducing stress relative to the others. Participants reported higher relaxation ratings for landscapes, while surrealism and mixed media often produced more varied or heightened emotional responses. Realism showed moderate but inconsistent effects.These findings suggest that while art exposure does not universally reduce stress, certain genres, particularly abstract landscapes, may provide more consistent calming effects. This highlights the importance of selecting appropriate art styles when applying art therapy techniques.

Presentation Slides

About this scientist:   

Jeimy Aguilar is a senior pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at Yonkers High School. After graduating high school, she will ship out for basic training for the United States Marine Corps. Following her service, she plans to attend St. John’s University and major in criminal psychology and forensics and a minor in studio art, with the goal of pursuing a career that combines investigative work with a deeper understanding of human behavior.