ME
madeleine e. hackney
School of Medicine, Emory University
Atlanta, United States
About this Research Topic
Manuscript Extension Submission Deadline 30 October 2026
Background
Referring to the World Health Assembly’s resolution on the global promotion of comprehensive mental health (WHA 74.14), the World Health Organization highlights the significantly positive role of artistic creativity and aesthetic experiences. Across various domains related to mental health, aesthetics are regarded as an important factor for psychosomatic equilibrium. This is reflected in diverse cultural and clinical traditions worldwide. For example, in (Traditional) Chinese Medicine, aesthetic harmony is closely linked to mind–body balance and resilience. In contemporary educational systems, such as Chinese educational policy, aesthetic education is particularly emphasized, acknowledging its multifaceted developmental, behavioral, and health benefits. In a wide range of clinical contexts, practical aesthetics can enhance therapeutic interaction, support the acquisition of psycho-affective self-regulation techniques, and even impact physiological parameters, such as neuro-endo-immunological function, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and coronary endothelial health.
A key objective of this research topic is to raise awareness of the importance of aesthetics for mental health and to encourage inter- and transdisciplinary studies in this field. Exploring this area goes far beyond measuring effect sizes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which often follow a rigid “black-box” paradigm. Instead, it also necessitates a critical engagement with scientific epistemology and the development of novel methodologies, such as combining translational approaches with complexity science. Regarding ongoing debates in arts therapies, between approaches focused primarily on action with artistic media versus those emphasizing aesthetic qualities, the topic seeks to provide substantive scientific answers.
The main aim of this research topic is to explore the application of aesthetics and the arts in health education (from primary and secondary schooling through tertiary and lifelong learning), public mental health, and self-care-based rehabilitation. Ultimately, rather than a ‘free mix’ of articles, this collection should contribute to a coherent and plausible theoretical framework connecting aesthetics and mental health.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
-Aesthetics in arts-based therapies
-Fusion of aesthetic education and health education
-Applied aesthetics in medical and psychological systems
-Aesthetics in public health and community arts interventions
-Applied neuroaesthetics
-Health and polyaesthetics (integration of senses and art forms)
-Aesthetics and peace psychology
This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Translational and Applied Studies, Methodological Considerations, Theoretical Frameworks and Hypotheses, as well as Opinions and Perspectives.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
- Brief Research Report
- Case Report
- Clinical Trial
- Community Case Study
- Conceptual Analysis
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
- Data Report
- Editorial
- FAIR² Data
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Keywords: Aesthetics, Mental Health aesthetics, aesthetic experience, arts-based therapies, mental health, psychosomatic health, health education, public mental health, resilience
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
