Aesthetic Experience Anchors Ego Identity Formation

Abstract

The development of a coherent identity status, also referred to as ego identity, is critical during adolescence and early-adulthood. In the long run, an individual’s ego identity status may influence the sustainability of his or her well-being. Researchers have attempted to discover the predictors or factors correlated with one’s identity status. In that search, aesthetic experience, as a unique means of knowing oneself and the world, seemed to be overlooked. Philosophical and psychological discourses have asserted that aesthetic experience stimulated identity discovery and formation; this hypothesis, however, is not supported by strong quantitative evidence. Thus, an empirical study with a quantitative approach was conducted to examine whether those who have frequent aesthetic experiences are more likely to possess a mature ego identity. A sample of 758 valid questionnaires was collected. The results supported the argument that aesthetic experience favors the development of ego identity. In addition, this study revealed that sociodemographic backgrounds such as women, fine arts and design majors, and religious individuals were more likely to have a rich aesthetic life. The results imply that aesthetic experience serves as a crucial aspect that contributes to the wellness of personality development and promotes a healthy and sustainable quality of life.

Psychological Benefits of Arts Participation for Emerging Adulthood: A Pathway to Flourishing

“…Furthermore, this study found that prior art-learning experience is positively correlated with the flow experience and aesthetic emotions obtained in arts activities, which is consistent with existing research. Previous studies have shown that art education not only cultivates artistic talent and taste but also produces individuals with strong aesthetic sensitivity [ 43 ], and individuals who are more familiar with the art knowledge system may have stronger aesthetic experiences [ 77 ]. Compared to individuals without art training, those with prior art-learning experience have better opportunities to appreciate art, are more familiar with the art knowledge system, may possess higher perceptual abilities in art, and may easily achieve positive experiences such as flow in arts activities.…”

“…The more individuals are immersed in the flow experience brought by the arts, the more likely they are to trigger dialectical thinking about themselves [ 39 ], promoting the development of ego identity [ 40 ]. The aesthetic emotions, such as awe, wonder, and being moved, generated during arts engagement enhance well-being [ 41 , 42 ], rectify the mind, prompt reflection, and facilitate ego identity [ 43 ]. Ego identity is a state associated with high psychological well-being [ 44 , 45 ] and can create a sustainable state of positive living [ 46 ].…”

The mediating effect of the need for cognition between aesthetic experiences and aesthetic competence in art

“…Significant relationships have been observed between a high capacity for aesthetic “emotion contagion” and a declared fondness for art, and stronger aesthetic experiences, such as being moved, valence, and interest 20 . In a study involving a Taiwanese sample, it was shown that being a woman, graduating with a degree in art or design, or being a religious person, is associated with a richer aesthetic life and that aesthetic experience promotes mature ego identity development 21 .…”

School climate’s effect on hospitality department students’ aesthetic experience, professional identity and innovative behavior

“…The emotions elicited in aesthetics come not only from simple perceptions but also from the assessment of experiences through intra-community utterances ( Maitlis et al, 2013 ). Yu and Wang (2018) argued that aesthetic experiences are unique means of knowing oneself and the world that can stimulate the discovery and formation of identity. Moreover, one’s self-identity can be reflected and developed through powerful aesthetic experiences ( Ferrucci, 2010 ; Yu and Wang, 2018 ).…”

“… Yu and Wang (2018) argued that aesthetic experiences are unique means of knowing oneself and the world that can stimulate the discovery and formation of identity. Moreover, one’s self-identity can be reflected and developed through powerful aesthetic experiences ( Ferrucci, 2010 ; Yu and Wang, 2018 ).…”