Abstract
Rediscovering Painting Art Performance and Mental Health through the Metaverse: Mediating Roles of Aesthetic Awareness and Social Connectedness
Author(s): Tariq Saeed (0000-0003-2666-9223)* and Abeer AL LihabiIssues related to mental health are major concern for professionals of all industries throughout the world. Likewise in the sector of painting and arts, factors like stress, depression and loneliness affect the mental health of the individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between Metaverse-based painting, social connectedness, aesthetic awareness and mental health. This research also aimed to investigate the mediating role of social connectedness and aesthetic awareness. A cross-sectional research design was used and the data was collected from 244 painters by using the convenience sampling technique. Usable response rate of the study was 70.90%. Further data was examined through using PLS-SEM by using smart PLS 3.3.9 as a tool. The findings of the study confirmed that social connectedness has a significant positive effect to improve the mental health of painters. Moreover, aesthetic awareness also had a significant effect on mental health. Additionally, metaverse technology is an important contributor to improving social connectedness and enhancing the aesthetic awareness of painters. Also, the mental health of the painters was improved through metaverse technology. Finally, the mediating role of aesthetic awareness and social connectedness was also supported in the study. The outcomes of this research assist the literature by providing valuable insight regarding the relationship between metaverse technology and mental health. This research also discusses practical and theoretical contributions.