How do perceptions of artistic creation affect motivation for artistic expression and art appreciation?

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relation between people's perceptions of artistic creation and their motivation for artistic expression and art appreciation. Based on a hierarchical model, it was hypothesized that stereotyped perceptions of artistic creation might reduce motivation for artistic expression and art appreciation, mediated by low self-efficacy in artistic expression and negative perception of art. First, a preliminary survey was conducted in which university students were asked about their perceptions of art and artistic creation, using a free description method. Next, 306 Japanese undergraduate students completed a questionnaire ; the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results showed that (a) self-efficacy in artistic expression highly affected motivation for artistic expression and art appreciation, and (b) stereotypes about artistic creation contributed negatively to self-efficacy in artistic expression. These findings suggest that enhancing self-efficacy in artistic expression through relaxing stereotypes about artistic creation might be effective in facilitating both artistic expression and art appreciation.