Aesthetic Development in Male Students in Iran

In this study we examined aesthetic development in 75 male students in Iran from 5 age groups (7–9, 9–11, 11–13, 13–15, and 15–17 years old). Students were presented with 8 paintings (2 from each of the 4 different styles). Paintings were presented one at a time and students were asked to explain in writing what they thought about each painting. Responses were coded and the results suggested that participants from different age groups had different ways of describing aesthetic paintings. Responses of the first three groups (ages 7–9, 9–11 and 11–13) reflected Objectivism, the responses of Group 4 (ages 13–15) reflected Story-Telling, and Affectivism was reflected in the responses of only the oldest students (ages 15–17). These findings are quite similar to those found in female students in Iran and may provide support for a developmental progression of aesthetic development.