Abstract
This study analyzes the first empiric data on the incidence of certain aesthetic elements on mood and on cognitive restructuralization. To this end, we have carried out experimental research which, based on the theory of Vygotski's about the role of Art (1925/1972), contemplates the possibility that stimuli, with positive and negative affective charges, provoke simultaneous activation of positive and negative emotions, producing a catharsis -in the sense of greater cognitive complexity. Our research was focused on the emotional and cognitive reactions to romantic music. As has been proved by recent research, music can generate psychophysiological alterations in our organism: alterations in pulse, cardiac rhythm, breathing, blood pressure, etc. Besides the changes which are automatically produced in our ANS, some experiments have shown that music generates changes in mood, cognition and conduct (Kenealy, 1988; Martin, 1990). In this work, results show partial support of some of Vygotski's ideas. This research is one of the first attempts to operate on an aesthetic element, such as music, in order to discover the composition and relevant elements of Art.
