Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
Although the close interaction between aesthetic experiences and self/ego is a popular subject in many discussions in Anesthetics, few scholars have conducted empirical studies on this matter. Reviewing literature from various disciplines, it can be found that aesthetic experiences involve fulfillment, dialectics, integration, actualization, and transcendence of the self/ego. The chief purposes of this empirical study are to explore 1) whether an individual’s background affects his/her aesthetic experiences; and 2) whether an individual’s aesthetic experiences affects his/her ego identity status. The relationship among one’s ego identity status, well-being, and psychological sustainability is also argued.
Results/Contributions

The result of this project has been published in the journal Sustainability [2018, 10(8)] as part of the Special Issue Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development.

An empirical study with a quantitative approach was conducted to examine whether those who have frequent aesthetic experiences are more likely to possess a mature ego identity. The results supported the argument that aesthetic experience favors the development of ego identity. In addition, this study revealed that sociodemographic backgrounds such as women, fine arts and design majors, and religious individuals were more likely to have a rich aesthetic life. The results imply that aesthetic experience serves as a crucial aspect that contributes to the wellness of personality development and promotes a healthy and sustainable quality of life.

Keywords
aesthetic sensitivityego identityindividual sustainabilityemerging adult
References
Contact Information
余季音
chiyingyu@mail.nd.nthu.edu.tw