Characterization of Emotional Response Profiles Triggered by a Digital Artwork of Musicalized Impressionist Paintings

Global warming, which is progressing at a particularly rapid pace in Canada, is having a multitude of serious consequences for ecosystems and human health. Rising temperatures are accelerating the melting of glaciers, increasing the frequency of heat waves and profoundly disrupting biodiversity. These environmental upheavals also have repercussions on mental health, notably through ecoanxiety, a form of anxiety linked to climate change. Although ecoanxiety is a natural reaction to environmental degradation, it can lead to chronic stress, generalized anxiety and, in some cases, depression. Recent studies have shown that this form of anxiety is increasingly common, particularly among younger generations. In Quebec, for example, 73% of young adults aged 18 to 35 declare themselves to be ecoanxious, with 42% claiming to experience significant ecoanxiety. The psychological effects are even more pronounced among vulnerable populations, such as young people, aboriginal peoples, or those living in regions severely affected by climate change, like the Inuit of Nunavik.

To combat this form of anxiety, it is essential to implement interventions focused on managing emotions and reconnecting with nature. Studies show that outdoor activities such as walking or gardening can reduce negative emotions and improve well-being. These practices help individuals to reconnect with the environment, strengthening their resilience in the face of climate change.

At the same time, art, particularly pictorial art, is emerging as a promising solution to eco-anxiety. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the benefits of art for mental health, pointing out that artistic activities are not only beneficial for sufferers, but also for people in general, whatever their age. The Plan québécois d'action interministériel en santé mentale (PAISM) 2022-2026 includes the promotion of art as a priority in the prevention and promotion of mental health. Among art forms, the contemplation of pictorial works, particularly those by Impressionist painters, has been shown to be effective in generating positive emotions. These paintings, often centered on nature, create a sense of serenity and beauty, encouraging deeper reflection on our relationship with the natural world. In addition to pictorial art, music is also recognized for its positive impact on anxiety management. Music therapy, for example, helps to reduce stress and anxiety, by promoting relaxation and emotional expression.

Music, in particular, plays an important role in combating ecoanxiety. Research shows that listening to music can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by stimulating the limbic system, the area of the brain responsible for emotions. In addition, music can modulate physiological responses to stress and strengthen personal resilience, contributing to better emotional regulation in the face of environmental crises. An innovative approach in this field involves creating music from electrophysiological signals captured on plants. This technique, known as sonification, transforms these signals into sounds, offering music inspired by nature. By fostering a deeper connection with the environment, this type of music could reduce eco-anxiety and increase resilience in the face of ecological challenges.

Emotions, both positive and negative, play a central role in mental health. According to James Russell's circumplex theory of emotions, emotions can be classified into two dimensions: valence (pleasant or unpleasant) and arousal (energy level). Positive emotions with high arousal, such as joy, or low arousal, such as relaxation, are beneficial to well-being. On the other hand, negative emotions, whether high arousal (such as anxiety) or low arousal (such as sadness), can have deleterious effects on mental health. These emotional responses manifest themselves through neurophysiological changes, such as increased heart rate or changes in skin conductance. Modern technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), make it possible to explore these responses by observing the activity of brain areas involved in emotion management, such as the amygdala or the prefrontal cortex.