Personal profile

Personal information

Cynthia Cabañas is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Communication at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She obtained her PhD in Psychology, specializing in Film Cognition, from Birkbeck, University of London. Recently, she also completed an MA in Film and TV from Universidad Carlos III of Madrid, complementing her background in psychology and neuroscience. She is interested in the impact of film narratives on various cognitive processes in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations, as well as the formal elements of film that filmmakers employ to engage and shape these processes. Currently her research focuses on investigating whether complex film narratives can serve as an accessible tool to enhance the cognitive and affective capacities necessary for confronting real-world complexity.

Research

Contemporary films and television often feature structurally complex storytelling—such as non-linear timelines, multi-threaded narratives, or puzzle-like elements—that demand active cognitive engagement. These narrative forms are increasingly popular, yet their broader implications for audiences’ cognitive and emotional development remain underexplored.

The project investigates whether engaging with such narrational complexity can foster greater tolerance for ambiguity, improve problem-solving abilities, and encourage constructive engagement with challenging, multifaceted issues. By combining insights from cognitive psychology, communication science, and film studies, this research examines viewers’ subjective experiences with complex films, identifying medium-specific features (e.g., narrative structure) and individual traits (e.g., tolerance for ambiguity) that influence engagement.

Beyond understanding the mechanisms behind narrative complexity’s impact, the project evaluates its potential as an accessible and universal tool for promoting psychological resilience. By bridging mediated aesthetic experiences with real-world challenges, this research contributes to debates on media’s role in shaping human capacities for empathy, cognitive flexibility, and creative thinking, offering valuable insights into how complex storytelling can empower individuals to confront societal and personal complexities with confidence and curiosity.

Ancillary activities

  • Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) | Barcelona | Collaborating Instructor | 2025-02-19 - 2025-07-16

Ancillary activities are updated daily

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 5 - Gender Equality
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action

Academic qualification

Psychology, PhD, The Role of Theory of Mind in Understanding Dramatic Irony in Filmed Narratives, Birkbeck University of London

Award Date: 31 Dec 2024

Film Studies, Master, MA in Cinema & TV , Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Award Date: 1 Jul 2024

Cognitive Neuroscience, Master, Dual Masters MSc Brain and Mind Sciences , Universite Pierre et Marie Curie

20182019

Award Date: 1 Jul 2019

Cognitive Neuroscience, Master, Dual Masters MSc Brain and Mind Sciences , University London College

20172018

Award Date: 1 Jul 2018

Neuropsychology, Master, Clinical Neuropsychology , ‎Universidad Camilo José Cela

Award Date: 1 Sept 2016

Psychology, Bachelor, Psychology (Bilingual modality), Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Award Date: 1 Sept 2015

Keywords

  • BF Psychology
  • BH Aesthetics
  • N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
  • H Social Sciences (General)

User created Keywords

  • Film Cognition
  • Narrative Complexity
  • Media Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Film Studies
  • Affective Responses
  • Viewer Engagement
  • Theory of Mind (ToM)
  • Spontaneous Mentalising
  • Dramatic Irony
  • Structural Complexity in Film
  • Puzzle Films
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Empirical Film Studies
  • Media Effects Research
  • Viewer Experience Studies
  • Aesthetic Experience
  • Problem-Solving in Media
  • Societal Challenges through Media
  • Neurocinema
  • Eudaimonia in Film

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Cynthia Cabañas is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or