"Recent Trends in the Psychological Study of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts" by Colin Martindale

This academic paper, published in the journal Empirical Studies of the Arts, is a comprehensive review of the trends in the psychological study of aesthetics, creativity, and the arts over the past 25 years. The author, Colin Martindale, argues that the field has undergone a "renaissance" since its decline during the behaviourism era, moving from psychodynamic and neo-behaviourist foundations to cognitive, neuropsychological, and evolutionary approaches. The article explores key historical influences, critically evaluates influential theories and researchers, and provides a detailed overview of recent developments in various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and literary criticism.