A study published recently in the Journal of Consumer Research revealed that when people feel sad, they would rather hug a teddy bear than look at a beautiful piece of art or a sunset, regardless of their age. Behind this preference, according to Chris Janiszewski, from the University of Florida (USA), there is an "animal instinct" that we share with other mammals.
Specifically, when any mammal is injured, has been attacked or is sick, its brain is programmed to respond positively to tactile stimuli , releasing neurotransmitters associated with well-being and pleasure. On the contrary, when we are in a good mood, visual stimuli provide us with more pleasure than those we experience through the rest of the senses. And therefore, in a state of happiness we enjoy a visit to an art museum much more.
