Functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessment of reward perception based on visual self-expression: Coloring, doodling, and free drawing

• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2017.05.004
• Publication Date: 2017-05-12T14:31:11Z
• Authors: Girija Kaimal; Hasan Ayaz; Joanna Herres; Rebekka Dieterich...; Bindal Makwana; Donna H. Kaiser; Jennifer A. Nasser
• Keywords: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy; Expression (computer science)

Visual self-expression helps with attention and improves health well-being. Few studies have examined reward pathway activation during different visual art tasks. This pilot study is the first to examine brain via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) three distinct drawing tasks—coloring, doodling, free drawing. Participants (11 men, 15 women; 8 artists, 16 non-artists) engaged in each task separated by equal intervals of rest a block design experimental protocol. Additional data included pre- post survey self-perceptions creativity, prior experience tasks, reflections on participation. Overall, arts tasks resulted significant medial prefrontal cortex compared conditions. The doodling condition maximum coloring drawing; however, differences between conditions were not statistically significant. Emergent seen artists non-artists for doodling. All activated cortex, indicating potential clinical applications perception through making. improved their problem solving having good ideas. found relaxing but wanted more time per task. Further varied media longer are needed determine interactions participants' backgrounds activation.