University course Cultura e Salute

The role played by art and cultural participation on health: an overview

Key-note speaker:

Enzo Grossi, culture and health expert

--> Read the interview with Enzo Grossi

Discussion with:

• Graziano Martignoni, psychiatrist
• Emiliano Albanese, public health

The evidence on the role of cultural participation in health promotion is mainly based on observational studies.

Although sidelined until 10-15 years ago by the more traditional epidemiological entourage, observational studies have seen a significant increase in interest from the scientific community, both public and private, thanks to new methodological contributions in recent years.

This module will shine a light on the main studies conducted in various countries on the role of cultural participation in the promotion of health status.

The evidence available is convergent and unanimously supporting the significant role of cultural participation in extending lifespan and preventing min chronic degenerative diseases.

Salutogenic theory on the role of architecture and the built environment's impact on health and well-being.

Key-note speaker:

Alan Dilani, designer

--> Read the interview with Alan Dilani

Discussion with:

• Mario Botta, architect
• Pietro Majno-Hurst, surgeon

Architecture can positively or negatively affect the quality of life and, therefore, health. Several studies address this relationship.

Salutogenic design is based on a greater awareness of the impact of the surrounding environment on human health and well-being.

The lecture aims to present and discuss how and which elements - such as the link between access to natural light and blood pressure, between overcrowding or chronic noise and psychological stress - can be better addressed in the design and thus in the realisation of a building in which human beings live, work, heal, learn or play.

The Impacts of the Natural Environment on Health. Projects, methods, results and case studies.

Key-note speaker:

Giuseppina Spano, psychologist

--> Read the interview with Giuseppina Spano

Discussion with:

• Romolo Nottaris, mountaineer
• Giovanni Pedrazzini, cardiologist.

For most people, walking along a river, on a forest path, on a mountainside, or on a beach has a relaxing and pleasant effect. Both green space and blue space have the power to make people happier.

Until recently, these notions, well known even in the last century when Victorian doctors prescribed "sea air" as a cure for an assortment of anxieties and ailments, were part of common knowledge.

Now, however, there is scientific evidence confirming the healing power of pure nature.

Thus shinrin-yoku or forest bathing have become general concepts and practices, not only in Japan, for stress management. In fact, the perception of beauty can influence our physical and psychological well-being, generating positive feelings and emotions that can have a beneficial effect on our health.

Mind-body: how culture can contribute to preventing and treating stress-related pathologies.

Key-note speaker:

Antonella Delle Fave, physician-psychologist

--> Read the interview with Antonella Delle Fave

Discussion with:

• Daniele Finzi Pasca, director
• Greta Guarda, Molecular Biologist

The study of happiness is the main focus of positive psychology, a movement that emerged in the psychological sciences during the 1990s from studies and research on subjective well-being.

Since then, 'positive psychology' has provided significant innovative elements, both in terms of theory and application. Two basic perspectives can be identified within this discipline: on the one hand, the hedonic perspective, in which research and studies focus on the analysis of the pleasure dimension; on the other hand, the eudaimonic perspective, which focuses on the study of factors that promote the potential, personal fulfilment and development of the individual, also in relation to the development of the community.

Neurons and empathy - Art, beauty and empathy: the role of mirror neurons.

Key-note speaker:

Vittorio Gallese, neuroscientist

--> Read the interview with Vittorio Gallese

Discussion with:

• Michelangelo Pistoletto, artist
• Alain Kaelin, neurologist

The discovery of 'mirror neurons' has had repercussions that are rich in psychological, philosophical and social consequences. The discovery of mirror neurons has had far-reaching psychological, philosophical and social repercussions. These neurons function as motors of participation, which are activated by watching the movements and emotional reactions of another individual, in the same brain centres that would be activated if we ourselves were the protagonists.

Whether it is a painting, a symphony or a film, it does not matter: when we are in front of an art form worthy of the name, our brain and body react to its communicative power, also triggering mechanisms of emotional sharing with those around us.

This is why sharing aesthetic experiences with other people enhances positive emotions and contributes to collective well-being.

Neuroaesthetics: the neurobiological basis of beauty.

Key-note speaker:

Luca Ticini, cognitive neuroscientist

--> Read the interview with Luca Ticini

Discussion with:

• Fabio Pusterla, poet
• Andrea Alimonti, oncologist

Recent studies using advanced techniques for visualising brain activity, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have shown that art stimulates certain areas of the brain involved in feelings of reward and well-being, generating a biochemical response very similar to that measured during falling in love.

These results show how aesthetic pleasure, desire and well-being are closely interconnected from a neurobiological point of view, and suggest how art and cultural participation can be beneficial against anxiety and depression.

The role of music as a tool for healing and promoting health.

Key-note speaker:

Alfredo Raglio, music therapy expert

--> Read the interview with Alfredo Raglio

Discussion with:

• Markus Poschner, orchestra conductor
• Silke Gillessen Sommer, oncologist

Scientific literature confirms the healing power of music, already known in antiquity and mythology. Over the centuries, music has become an object of interest in the medical and neuroscientific fields.

Today, strong scientific evidence supports the idea that music can be considered an effective healing tool, at all ages of life and in many clinical areas. Sound and music stimulate and regulate emotions, attention, cognitive functions, communication and behaviour.

An increasing number of studies are showing that listening to music: can make us happier and improve learning, especially at a young age; promotes connections between the hemispheres of the brain, communication and behaviour; as early as the perinatal period, improves early cognitive development; promotes active ageing and helps to manage and combat many diseases; helps to reduce stress, combat chronic pain, and recover motor and neurological functions that have been damaged by a stroke or traumatic event.

In the case of children on the autistic spectrum or with attention deficit and language difficulties, music is a resource for learning and relationships.