How Artistic Expression Shapes Brain Plasticity and Emotional Regulation: Neuropsychological Perspectives Across Art History

Author First name, Last name, Institution

• Alexandros Argyriadis, Hellenic Mediterranean University
• Agathi Argyriadi, American University in Dubai
• Maria Theodoratou, Hellenic Open University
• Kalliopi Megari, University of York
• Dimitra Katsarou, University of the Aegean
• Olga Drakopoulou, University of Patras
• Efthymia Efthymiou, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi CampusFollow

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source of Publication

Art History Online Arts Therapy and Experiential Learning in Practice

Publication Date

7-9-2026

Abstract

Artistic expression has long been associated with emotional experience, meaningmaking, and psychological transformation. Recent advances in neuroscience and psychology have provided empirical evidence that engagement with art can influence brain plasticity and emotional regulation processes. This chapter explores how artistic expression, examined through the lens of art history, contributes to neuroplastic changes and the regulation of emotional states. Integrating findings from neuroscience, neuroaesthetics, and psychology with historical perspectives on art, the chapter examines how sustained interaction with visual art activates neural networks involved in emotion, cognition, and self-regulation. Artistic practices across historical periods are discussed as structured experiences that engage perception, memory, and affective processing, thereby shaping neural pathways associated with emotional awareness and regulation.

DOI Link

10.4018/979-8-3373-8552-5.ch005

ISBN

[9798337385525, 9798337385549]

Publisher

IGI Global Scientific Publishing

First Page

127

Last Page

148

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

Expression (computer science) (0.64) | Psychology (0.6) | Neuroplasticity (0.59) | Emotional regulation (0.53) | Emotional expression (0.52) | Cognitive science (0.52) | Cognitive psychology (0.47) | Neuroscience (0.46) | Affect regulation (0.37) | Cognitive neuroscience (0.34) | Plasticity (0.33) | Empirical research (0.32) | Affective neuroscience (0.31) | Emotional behavior (0.27) | Cognition (0.27) | Social psychology (0.26) | Empirical evidence (0.25) | Affect (linguistics) (0.25)

Scopus ID

105045440971

Recommended Citation

Argyriadis, Alexandros; Argyriadi, Agathi; Theodoratou, Maria; Megari, Kalliopi; Katsarou, Dimitra; Drakopoulou, Olga; and Efthymiou, Efthymia, "How Artistic Expression Shapes Brain Plasticity and Emotional Regulation: Neuropsychological Perspectives Across Art History" (2026). All Works. 8316.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/8316

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no