Dr. Cynthia Cabañas

Biography

Cynthia Cabañas is a research associate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, specializing in the intersection of psychology and film cognition. She obtained her PhD in Psychology from Birkbeck, University of London, focusing on the Theory of Mind and the understanding of dramatic irony in filmed narratives. Cabañas also holds multiple master's degrees in Film Studies and Cognitive Neuroscience, complementing her comprehensive background in psychology and neuroscience. Her research is centered on the impact of complex film narratives on cognitive processes in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations. By exploring how formal elements in films engage and shape cognitive processes, she aims to investigate how engaging narrational complexity may foster greater tolerance for ambiguity and improve problem-solving abilities among viewers. In addition to her ongoing research, Cabañas collaborates on projects related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the societal importance of understanding film's role in empathy and cognitive flexibility.

Research Interests

Experience