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Subtitle
Negative correlations between the need for uniqueness and visual aesthetic sensitivity
Publication date
2019-10-23
Document type
Forschungsartikel
Author
Organisational unit
ISSN
Series or journal
Empirical Studies of the Arts
Periodical volume
39
Periodical issue
1
First page
101
Last page
117
Peer-reviewed
✅
Part of the university bibliography
✅
Abstract
This study investigated the need for uniqueness, visual aesthetic sensitivity, and their correlation. To investigate these variables, we asked 71 participants to complete the German adaptation of the Need for Uniqueness scale (NfU-G) and the Visual Aesthetic Sensitivity Test (VAST) - including the VAST-Revised (VAST-R). The NfU-G measures the need to set oneself apart from others, whereas the VAST(-R) tests the ability to identify the objective aesthetic goodness of a figural composition. The findings of this study are significantly compliant with theoretical considerations: the higher a participant scores on the NfU-G scale, the lower the percentage of correctly identified drawings on the VAST(-R), with the VAST being a stronger predictor than the VAST-R. Thus, the results suggest that participants who strive for individuality exhibit lower visual aesthetic sensitivity since they tend to violate norms in order to assert their uniqueness. Limitations regarding this outcome are discussed.
Version
Published version
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