Flavia De Simone ^1* Panagiotis Kourtesis ² Francesca Nicolais ¹ Roberta Presta ¹ Simona Collina ¹ Roberto Montanari ¹

• ¹ Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Naples, Italy
• ² American College of Greece, Athens, Attiki, Greece

The relationship between art and psychology has long been a subject of investigation, standing at the crossroads of creative expression and scientific exploration of the human mind. This connection not only has historical roots but continues to evolve through modern disciplines such as neuroaesthetics and art therapy, which provide tools to understand and address the complexities of the human condition. Freud himself acknowledged the potential of art to externalize the unconscious, foreshadowing the central role of artistic expression in emotional regulation and internal dialogue. Today, the intersection between art and psychology transcends historical narratives to encompass a neuroscientific investigation of the brain's responses to art and its therapeutic implications.Neuroaesthetics explores the neural mechanisms underlying artistic perception and creation. Recent studies demonstrate that the aesthetic experience engages a wide range of cognitive and emotional processes, activating specific brain regions such as the superior temporal sulcus and the posterior cingulate cortex, which are respectively responsible for perceptual analysis and emotional reflection (Baluku, 2024).In parallel, art therapy leverages creative processes to stimulate neuroplasticity, promoting structural and functional changes in the brain that enhance emotional well-being and cognitive resilience (Strang, 2024).Together, these disciplines underscore the dual significance of art as both a subjective experience and a scientifically grounded therapeutic tool.One of the most compelling aspects of this intersection is how art bridges the conscious and unconscious realms of the mind. Creative engagement has been shown to increase synaptic density and activate neural circuits associated with emotional processing, thereby fostering emotional resilience (Strang, 2024). At the same time, neuroaesthetic research elucidates how the brain processes artistic stimuli by integrating perceptual, cognitive, and emotional networks. This integration not only enhances our understanding 31 the individual's aesthetic experience but also highlights art's profound psychological impact (Baluku, 2024) These findings transcend theoretical interest, offering tangible applications in therapeutic practices and The relationship between art and psychology is not only an interdisciplinary curiosity but a robust area of We hope readers find this collection an inspiring resource, offering fresh perspectives on the evolving 93 relationship between psychology and art. 94 95