Findings, methods and sources
Finding. In a pre-registered study of 281 participants and a laboratory follow-up of 33, wellbeing improved from before to after viewing in all conditions. Neither a guided-viewing video nor a mindful-breathing video produced greater overall wellbeing change than the comparison conditions; guided viewing raised positive mood more than the mindfulness video.
Limitation. A museum study of paintings, not permanent sculpture or a hospital. Relevant to whether interpretation adds value to viewing, not to the effect of an installed work.
Methods and verification
Verification level: Abstract checked
- Design
- Three-arm randomised controlled trial with laboratory follow-up (mixed methods)
- Sample / scope
- 281 participants; laboratory follow-up 33
- Setting
- National Gallery, London, and laboratory
- Art form
- Pictures
Abstract checked on the publisher’s page, 28 September 2026 (published 23 June 2026). · Verification source
Editorial review: 2026-09-28 · Verification policy
Publications and overlap
No confirmed shared-publication match is recorded for this entry in Edition 4.11. Source-by-source and participant-level reconciliation is incomplete; this does not establish an independent study.