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.

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.

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