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Zhu W, Luo X, Werneck AO, Pindus D, Kramer L, Kramer AF, Hillman CH, Herold F, Zhang Z, Zou L. Nature and success: Outdoor play is linked to school readiness. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2024; 57:101895. [PMID: 39180951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and Purpose: Outdoor play is widely acknowledged for its benefits to physical health and psychological well-being, yet its relationship with school readiness remains understudied in preschoolers. To address this gap in the literature, this study investigated how outdoor play relates to cognitive and psychosocial development among a nationally representative sample of preschoolers. MATERIALS AND METHOD Data on the duration of outdoor play (on weekdays and weekends) and specific cognitive and psychosocial outcome variables (i.e., early learning skills, self-regulation, social-emotional development, and flourishing) were collected via questionnaires provided to the caregivers of preschoolers. Logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between outdoor play with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes while adjusting for covariates and calculate the odds ratio with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Among the 10,682 preschoolers (i.e., 3-5y) included in this study (i.e., 5558 boys, Mage = 3.98 ± 0.99 years), there was a lower percentage of preschoolers engaged in outdoor play for over 3 h per day on weekdays (33.39 %) compared to weekends (56.85 %). Outdoor play in preschoolers is positively associated with various domains of school readiness, and engaging in outdoor play for more than 3 h per day is associated with more beneficial outcomes. CONCLUSION The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that promoting outdoor play among preschoolers can be an effective strategy for enhancing cognitive, social, and emotional development in this age group although further intervention studies are required to buttress this assumption empirically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Zhu
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xun Luo
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
| | - André Oliveira Werneck
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Brazil
| | - Dominika Pindus
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Laurie Kramer
- Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fabian Herold
- Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Liye Zou
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
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Lomax T, Butler J, Cipriani A, Singh I. Effect of nature on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents: meta-review. Br J Psychiatry 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39101636 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2024.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urbanisation is taking place worldwide and rates of mental illness are rising. There has been increasing interest in 'nature' and how it may benefit mental health and well-being. AIMS To understand how the literature defines nature; what the characteristics of the nature intervention are; what mental health and well-being outcomes are being measured; and what the evidence shows, in regard to how nature affects the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. METHOD A meta-review was conducted, searching three databases for relevant primary and secondary studies, using key search terms including 'nature' and 'mental health' and 'mental well-being'. Inclusion criteria included published English-language studies on the child and adolescent population. Authors identified the highest quality evidence from studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and analysed using descriptive content analysis. RESULTS Sixteen systematic reviews, two scoping reviews and five good quality cohort studies were included. 'Nature' was conceptualised along a continuum (the 'nature research framework') into three categories: a human-designed environment with natural elements; a human-designed natural environment; and a natural environment. The nature 'intervention' falls into three areas (the 'nature intervention framework'): access, exposure and engagement with nature, with quantity and quality of nature relevant to all areas. Mental health and well-being outcomes fit along a continuum, with 'disorder' at one end and 'well-being' at the other. Nature appears to have a beneficial effect, but we cannot be certain of this. CONCLUSIONS Nature appears to have a beneficial effect on mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Evidence is lacking on clinical populations, ethnically diverse populations and populations in low- and middle-income countries. Our results should be interpreted considering the limitations of the included studies and confidence in findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Lomax
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Joseph Butler
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK; and Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Ilina Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Liem DG, Woo YC. Encouraging online consumers into making better food choices: The power of nature exposure on healthy food choices. Appetite 2024; 199:107382. [PMID: 38723667 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND online environments can influence food desire and choices. We tested if online calming nature and stressful street environments can affect desire for healthy and unhealthy foods. METHOD we asked 238 participants (40 ± 14 yrs) to rate their desire (100 mm VAS) for 7 low calorie nutrient rich foods (Healthy) and 7 high calorie nutrient poor foods (Unhealthy), and perceived stress (state anxiety in STAI), before and after imagining themselves in a control, nature park, or busy street condition. RESULTS participants who imagined themselves being in a nature park had a significant higher desire for Healthy foods, than participants in the busy street condition (p < 0.05). Participants in the busy street condition decreased their desire for Healthy foods after they imagined themselves in a busy street (p < 0.05)). However, perceived stress did not impact the association between condition and desire for low calorie foods nor high calorie foods. CONCLUSION this study suggests that online environments can have an impact on healthy food desires, which could be of importance for the increased number of food choices which are made in online environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djin Gie Liem
- Deakin University, CASS Food Research Centre, Australia.
| | - Yu Chu Woo
- Deakin University, CASS Food Research Centre, Australia.
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Swami V. Associations between nature exposure and body image: A critical, narrative review of the evidence. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 248:104355. [PMID: 38870689 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers are having to deal with the negative impact of body image concerns in populations globally. One cost-effective way of promoting healthier body image outcomes is through exposure to natural environments. A growing body of research has shown that spending time in, interacting with, and even just looking at natural environments can promote healthier body image outcomes. In this narrative review, I consider the different forms of evidence documenting an association between nature exposure and body image (i.e., cross-sectional and mediational, experimental and quasi-experimental, comparative, prospective, experience sampling, and qualitative research). Beyond this, I shine a critical light on the available evidence, highlighting concerns with methodological (i.e., who research has focused on and what types of natural environments have been considered), psychometric (i.e., how body image and nature exposure are measured), and conceptual issues (how the association is explained). I conclude that, although there are issues affecting the way the existing body of research is to be understood, there are reasons to be hopeful that nature exposure can be leveraged to promote healthier body image outcomes in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viren Swami
- School of Psychology, Sport, and Sensory Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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5
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Fischer DJ, Schröer F, Denecke S, Murphy L, Kühn S. Are we afraid of the woods? - An investigation of the implicit and explicit fear reactions to forests. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119573. [PMID: 38972339 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of nature exposure have been repeatedly documented and encourage frequent and regular contact with nature and especially highlight forests. However, in human history, forests have also been associated with negative emotions such as fear and were seen as dangerous environments. While existing literature could demonstrate that natural environments can evoke fear, the focus was on the explicit perception. Given that research has shown the significance of additional implicit processes in fear-related behaviour, we aim to explore the presence of an implicit fear response to forests. Therefore, in an online study, we investigated the explicit and implicit fear reactions to forests by a Northern German sample of N = 256. Using three explicit measurements, we investigated fear and danger perception on a semantic and visual level of the stimulus category "forest" compared to the human-made urban green space "park" and the urban setting "house". Additionally, we assessed the unconscious response tendencies towards the forest within three implicit tasks: Subliminal Priming Procedure (SPP), Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) and Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). Within the analyzed sample, the subliminally presented word forest evoked a stronger positive valence response compared to park (SPP). In contrast to houses, the forest showed a stronger approach and weaker avoidance tendency (AAT). At the same time, both the three explicit and one implicit measurement (AMP) showed a stronger fear perception of forests compared to parks or houses. Considering the increasingly utilised beneficial effects of nature in interventions, these findings should be acknowledged when implementing nature exposure in interventions and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djo Juliette Fischer
- University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frederik Schröer
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for the History of Emotions, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia Denecke
- University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lawrence Murphy
- University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lise Meiter Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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Figueroa LP, Poskey GA, Rose KK, Pickens ND. Mechanisms of Change in Nature-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Ecology of Change in Outdoor Therapy Model. Occup Ther Health Care 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38957003 DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2024.2372739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative constructivist grounded theory study was to develop a model to explain potential mechanisms of change in the nature-based pediatric occupational therapy process, based on analysis of the perspectives of occupational therapy practitioners currently engaging in nature-based practice with children. Using 27 photos and interview data from 22 participants the Ecology of Change in Outdoor Therapy (ECO-Therapy) Model was developed. The model suggests mechanisms of change in nature-based pediatric occupational therapy may involve six iterative phases: Longing for Freedom, Embarking on Adventure, Dancing with Nature, Claiming Self-Agency, Braving Real-Life Challenges, and Growing Adaptive Capacity. The practitioner and child experiencing these phases throughout the nature-based occupational therapy process may lead to improved participation and performance in the child's daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail A Poskey
- Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA
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Pesce C, Tocci N. Creativity and consciousness in motion: The roundtrip of "mindful" and "mindless" processes in embodied creativity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2024; 287:123-151. [PMID: 39097351 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
In this opinion paper, we make a journey across different accounts of creativity that emphasize either the mindful, conscious and cognitive expression of creativity, or its mindless, unconscious and sensorimotor expression. We try to go beyond dichotomy, putting creativity in motion and outlining its embodied and enactive features. Based on the assumption that no creative act is purely conscious or purely unconscious, our discussion on creativity relies on the distinction of three types of creativity that complementarily contribute to the creative process through shifts in the activation of their substrates in the brain: the deliberate, spontaneous and flow types of creativity. The latter is a hybrid and embodied type, in which movement and physical activity meet creativity. We then focus on the most fascinating contribution of unconscious processes and mind wandering to spontaneous and flow modes of creativity, exploring what happens when the individual apparently takes a break from a deliberate and effortful search for solutions and the creative process progresses through an incubation phase. This phase and the overall creative process can be facilitated by physical activity which, depending on its features and context, can disengage the cognitive control network and free the mind from filters that constrain cognitive processes or, conversely, can engage attentional control on sensorimotor and cognitive task components in a mindful way. Lastly, we focus on the unique features of the outer natural environment of physical activity and of the inner environment during mindful movements that can restore capacities and boost creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Pesce
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Tocci
- University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Hassan A, Deshun Z. How taking pictures of landscapes affects the mental stress of young adults. Psych J 2024. [PMID: 38860783 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
In today's fast-paced society, escalating work and academic pressures have led to rising stress levels. While numerous studies have explored adolescent mental health, there has been a lack of focus on "educational stress" among Chinese students. This study sought to understand the psychological and physiological effects of educational stress in Chinese university students. We studied the impact of a 5-min nature photography session on campus compared with a control activity of photographing urban settings near campus. Data were collected using blood pressure measurements, electroencephalography (EEG), the Semantic Differential Method (SDM), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in order to understand psychophysiological reactions. The findings from the SDM and STAI assessments indicated that students felt slightly more at ease and considerably more relaxed, had a heightened sense of naturalness, and experienced reduced anxiety after engaging in nature photography compared with urban photography. Notably, we observed that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped by many values and there were noticeable EEG changes among participants. The results suggest that a brief 5-min nature photography activity can effectively reduce mental stress in Chinese university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hassan
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Deshun
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Hood M, Baumann O. Could Nature Contribute to the Management of ADHD in Children? A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:736. [PMID: 38928982 PMCID: PMC11203786 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically managed with pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. In the general population, exposure to nature has been found to have robust beneficial effects on cognitive performance, including attention. With inattention being a factor of the symptomatology of individuals with ADHD, this provides a rationale to investigate the potential benefits of exposure to nature for this population. Four electronic databases (PubMED, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched for empirical studies investigating the effects of nature on ADHD prevalence and/or symptom severity in populations of school-aged children. Key characteristics, methodologies, and outcomes of included studies were extracted and evaluated. Out of the 458 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Despite the large heterogeneity in methodological approaches, the included articles consistently reported that exposure to nature is associated with reduced ADHD diagnoses and symptom severity. Furthermore, when several covariates, such as age, gender, annual household income, parental income, and education level, as well as several pre-natal factors, were controlled for, the relationship between nature and ADHD remained significant. The reviewed literature provides strong support for the benefits of exposure to nature on ADHD in school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Baumann
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia;
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Ordóñez C, Kendal D, Davern M, Conway T. Having a tree in front of one's home is associated with GREATER subjective wellbeing in adult residents in Melbourne, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118445. [PMID: 38360163 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
While urban trees can be important determinants of human health and wellbeing in world cities, the specific influence of nearby urban trees upon human wellbeing has not been adequately explored. While many studies have associated urban greenery abundance with wellbeing scores, many measures of urban greenery do not specify the type of vegetation or the impact of co-location. Here we fill this gap by associating self-reported measures of the presence of nearby trees (tree in front of one's home) with validated subjective wellbeing (SWB) scores. We also tested for the mediating role of what people thought about trees and nature, with a focus on the values people associate with urban trees and nature relatedness (NR). We used electronic panel survey data based on a demographic and geographical representative sample of more than 3400 residents living in Toronto, Canada, and Melbourne, Australia. We analysed these data using regression-based mediation and path analyses. We found that having a tree in front of one's home was strongly and positively associated with SWB scores in both cities with similar results (Melbourne, β = 0.17, p < 0.05; Toronto, β = 0.18, p < 0.05), while accounting for NR, values associated with urban trees, and demographics (e.g., age, education, home ownership). The mediating role of NR and values was small. The specific pathways of association between tree in front of one's home, SWB, NR, and values, varied by city, when accounting for demographics. We discuss how increasing the abundance of nearby urban trees in cities may also increase human wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Ordóñez
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, Burnley campus, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, Victoria, 3121, Australia.
| | - Dave Kendal
- Future in Nature Pty Ltd, Australia; Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Davern
- Health Place and Society, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Tenley Conway
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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Schaupp J, Hediger K, Wunderli JM, Schäffer B, Tobias S, Kolecka N, Bauer N. Psychophysiological effects of walking in forests and urban built environments with disparate road traffic noise exposure: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:250. [PMID: 38711162 PMCID: PMC11073983 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a widespread phenomenon and reality of everyday life, entailing negative consequences for physical and psychological wellbeing. Previous studies have indicated that exposure to greenspaces and nature-based interventions are promising approaches to reducing stress and promoting restoration. However, an increasing percentage of the population lives in urban regions with limited opportunities to spend time in greenspaces. In addition, urban settings typically feature increased levels of noise, which represents a major environmental stressor. Although various studies have compared the effects of exposure to greenspaces versus urban built environments, evidence of the effects of noise in this context is very limited. Psychophysiological benefits of exposure to greenspaces compared to urban built environments reported in earlier studies might be less (or at least not only) due to features of the greenspaces than to additional stressors, such as road traffic noise in the urban built environment. Hence, differences in the effects attributed to greenness in previous studies may also be due to potentially detrimental noise effects in comparison settings. This paper reports the study protocol for a randomized, controlled intervention study comparing the effects of walking in forest versus urban built environments, taking road traffic noise exposure during walks in the respective settings into account. METHODS The protocol envisages a field study employing a pretest-posttest design to compare the effects of 30-min walks in urban built environments and forests with different road traffic noise levels. Assessments will consist of self-reported measures, physiological data (salivary cortisol and skin conductance), an attention test, and noise, as well as greenness measurements. The outcomes will be restoration, stress, positive and negative affect, attention, rumination, and nature connectedness. DISCUSSION The results will inform about the restorative effect of walking in general, of exposure to different types of environments, and to different noise levels in these sites. The study will provide insights into the benefits of walking and nature-based interventions, taking into account the potential detrimental effects of noise exposure. It will thus facilitate a better understanding of low-threshold interventions to prevent stress and foster wellbeing. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN48943261 ; Registered 23.11.2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schaupp
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Karin Hediger
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Marc Wunderli
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schäffer
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Tobias
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Kolecka
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bauer
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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Joye Y, Lange F, Lisauskienė A, Makauskaitė D. Watching (natural) beauty boosts task performance: testing the nature-as-reward hypothesis. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1045-1059. [PMID: 38286855 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In two online studies, we tested the "nature-as-reward hypothesis", which suggests that superior cognitive task performance following nature exposure reflects a general performance improvement, driven by the reward value of beautiful things. In both between-subjects experiments, participants viewed either beautiful or less beautiful images for 10 s, comprising beautiful mountain photos (vs. less beautiful mountain drawings) in Study 1 and beautiful fractals (vs. less beautiful pixelated images) in Study 2. Following image exposure, participants engaged in a ticking task requiring them to freely tick up to 200 boxes. Participants had to complete four (Study 1) or five (Study 2) of such ticking tasks, with each task being preceded by either a beautiful or less beautiful image. In Study 1, for a subset of participants the ticking task was framed as a game. We found that in Study 1, ticking declined over the ticking rounds when participants had viewed less beautiful line drawings of mountains, while ticking performance remained unchanged over the rounds after seeing beautiful mountain images. However, when the ticking task was framed as a game, there was no significant difference in ticking performance between the two beauty conditions over the four ticking rounds. In Study 2, participants ticked more boxes over all ticking rounds after viewing images of beautiful fractals compared to less beautiful pixelated images. In line with the nature-as-reward hypothesis, these findings show that brief exposures to beautiful (nature) images can motivate to work and that framing tasks as a game can attenuate this beauty advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Joye
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Florian Lange
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Behavioral Economics and Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Pham TP, Sanocki T. Human Attention Restoration, Flow, and Creativity: A Conceptual Integration. J Imaging 2024; 10:83. [PMID: 38667981 PMCID: PMC11050943 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging10040083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's fast paced, attention-demanding society, executive functions and attentional resources are often taxed. Individuals need ways to sustain and restore these resources. We first review the concepts of attention and restoration, as instantiated in Attention Restoration Theory (ART). ART emphasizes the role of nature in restoring attention. We then discuss the essentials of experiments on the causal influences of nature. Next, we expand the concept of ART to include modern, designed environments. We outline a wider perspective termed attentional ecology, in which attention behavior is viewed within a larger system involving the human and their interactions with environmental demands over time. When the ecology is optimal, mental functioning can be a positive "flow" that is productive, sustainable for the individual, and sometimes creative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa P. Pham
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA;
| | - Thomas Sanocki
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Hooyberg A, Roose H, Lonneville B, De Henauw S, Michels N, Everaert G. Survey data linking coastal visit behaviours to socio-demographic and health profiles. Sci Data 2024; 11:315. [PMID: 38538625 PMCID: PMC10973510 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Coastal destinations are highly popular for leisure, yet the effects of spending time at the coast on mental and physical health have remained underexplored. To accelerate the research about the effects of the coast on health, we compiled a dataset from a survey on a sample (N = 1939) of the adult Flemish population about their visits to the Belgian coast. The survey queried the number of days spent at the coast in the previous year or before and the following characteristics of their visits: how often they performed specific activities, which of the 14 municipal seaside resorts they visited, who they were with, what they mentally and physically experienced, and what reasons they had for not visiting the coast more often. The respondents' geo-demographic (including residential proximity to the coast), socio-economic, and health profile was also collected. We anticipate that investigations on the data will increase our understanding about the social structuring of coastal visits and give context to the effects of the coast on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henk Roose
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Michels
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University (UGent), Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Ding X, Xu J. Urban professionals' restorative tourism: exploring the role of perceived environmental restorativeness, push and pull motivations and destination attributes on tourism expectations. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1293050. [PMID: 38566934 PMCID: PMC10985151 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1293050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Urban professionals often seek respite from their daily routines through restorative tourism, driven by a complex interplay of motivations that include both internal "push" factors and external "pull" factors. This study investigates the intricate relationship between the perceived environmental restorativeness of tourist destinations and the expectations of urban professionals engaging in restorative tourism. Furthermore, it examines how push and pull motivations mediate this relationship while also considering the moderating effect of destination attributes. Methods The multiple regression analyses on the survey data collected from 221 urban professionals with restorative tourism experiences provided quantitative evidence regarding the hypothesized relationships among perceived environmental restorativeness, push and pull motivations, destination attributes, and tourism expectations. Results The results showed that perceived environmental restorativeness has a positive effect on urban professionals' tourism expectations; urban professionals' pull motivation and push motivation each play a mediating role between perceived environmental restorativeness and tourist expectations; and restorative tourism destination attributes have a moderating effect between perceived environmental restorativeness and push motivation, as well as the relationship between perceived environmental restorativeness and pull motivation. Discussion This study provides essential theoretical contributions to restorative tourism and practical implications when designing restorative tourism destinations that target urban professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyao Ding
- School of Art and Design, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- ICT Convergence College of Engineering, Dong-Eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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16
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Hazlehurst MF, Hajat A, Tandon PS, Szpiro AA, Kaufman JD, Tylavsky FA, Hare ME, Sathyanarayana S, Loftus CT, LeWinn KZ, Bush NR, Karr CJ. Associations of residential green space with internalizing and externalizing behavior in early childhood. Environ Health 2024; 23:17. [PMID: 38331928 PMCID: PMC10851463 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green space exposures may promote child mental health and well-being across multiple domains and stages of development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between residential green space exposures and child mental and behavioral health at age 4-6 years. METHODS Children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) cohort in Shelby County, Tennessee, were parent-reported on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined three exposures-residential surrounding greenness calculated as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree cover, and park proximity-averaged across the residential history for the year prior to outcome assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for individual, household, and neighborhood-level confounders across multiple domains. Effect modification by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions was explored using multiplicative interaction terms. RESULTS Children were on average 4.2 years (range 3.8-6.0) at outcome assessment. Among CANDLE mothers, 65% self-identified as Black, 29% as White, and 6% as another or multiple races; 41% had at least a college degree. Higher residential surrounding greenness was associated with lower internalizing behavior scores (-0.66 per 0.1 unit higher NDVI; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.07) in fully-adjusted models. The association between tree cover and internalizing behavior was in the hypothesized direction but confidence intervals included the null (-0.29 per 10% higher tree cover; 95% CI: -0.62, 0.04). No associations were observed between park proximity and internalizing behavior. We did not find any associations with externalizing behaviors or the attention problems subscale. Estimates were larger in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic opportunity, but interaction terms were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add to the accumulating evidence of the importance of residential green space for the prevention of internalizing problems among young children. This research suggests the prioritization of urban green spaces as a resource for child mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie F Hazlehurst
- Department of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Anjum Hajat
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pooja S Tandon
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam A Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joel D Kaufman
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Public Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frances A Tylavsky
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marion E Hare
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Seattle Children's Research Institute; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine T Loftus
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Chhajer R, Hira N. Exploring positive psychology intervention and mindfulness-based intervention in nature: impact on well-being of school students in India. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1297610. [PMID: 38356944 PMCID: PMC10864550 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1297610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Enhancing the well-being of urban school students is a growing challenge. The online mode of teaching during and post-pandemic era has increased students' daily screen time. As they spend more time indoors, they tend to disconnect from nature even more, adversely impacting their well-being. This study aimed to design and execute two well-being interventions-a positive psychology intervention (PPI) and a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in natural settings for urban school students in India. Methods One hundred eighty participants (aged 17-20) from a senior secondary school were randomly assigned to three groups: PPI, MBI, and a control group (CTR). Participants self-reported their levels of well-being, gratitude, inclusion of nature in self, sense of connectedness, resilience, awareness, perceived stress, and positive and negative emotions using a survey questionnaire at two times-pre- and post-interventions. Repeated-measures ANOVA was employed across time and groups, and post hoc analyses for group differences were carried out through the Bonferroni test. Results Results indicate that both PPI and MBI interventions, when executed in natural settings, enhance student well-being, gratitude, inclusion of nature in self, sense of connectedness, resilience, awareness, positive emotions and decreased levels of perceived stress, and negative emotions. Discussion The study provides valuable insights for school authorities, policymakers, and urban planners to include natural settings in school premises and offer well-being interventions for students to connect with nature consciously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina Chhajer
- Humanities and Social Sciences Area, Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India
| | - Nainika Hira
- College of Health, Education, and Human Services, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
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18
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McDonnell AS, Strayer DL. Immersion in nature enhances neural indices of executive attention. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1845. [PMID: 38253734 PMCID: PMC10803324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is conjecture that our modern urban environments place high demand on our attentional resources, which can become depleted over time and cause mental fatigue. Natural environments, on the other hand, are thought to provide relief from this demand and allow our resources to be replenished. While these claims have been assessed with self-report and behavioral measures, there is limited understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these attentional benefits. The present randomized controlled trial fills this gap in the literature by using electroencephalography to explore three aspects of attention-alerting, orienting, and executive control-from a behavioral and neural perspective. Participants (N = 92) completed the Attention Network Task before and after either a 40-min walk in nature or a 40-min walk in a control, urban environment. Participants that walked in nature reported their walk to be more restorative than those that walked in the urban environment. Furthermore, the nature group showed an enhanced error-related negativity after their walk, an event-related brain component that indexes executive control capacity, whereas the urban group did not. These findings demonstrate that a 40-min nature walk enhances executive control at a neural level, providing a potential neural mechanism for attention restoration in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S McDonnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102, USA.
| | - David L Strayer
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102, USA
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19
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Trammell JP, Harriger JA, Krumrei-Mancuso EJ. Walking in nature may improve affect but not cognition. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1258378. [PMID: 38250104 PMCID: PMC10797046 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Beneficial effects of natural environments on affect have been consistently reported, but effects on cognition have been less consistent. We examined affect and cognitive performance in the domains of attention, working memory, executive function, and recall and recognition memory in a sample of 188 undergraduate participants who completed a walk in one of three environments: an outdoor nature environment, an outdoor urban environment, or an indoor (treadmill) environment. Supporting the hypotheses, the outdoor nature environment resulted in the greatest increase in positive affect and decrease in negative affect from pre-to post-walk. However, there were no effects of location on any cognitive measure. These results suggest that cognitive effects do not always occur in tandem with affective benefits. Possible explanations, including prior frequent exposure to nature in our participants and extremity of the natural environment, are discussed.
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20
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Schwalbe D, Timmermann C, Gregersen TA, Steffensen SV, Ammentorp J. Communication, Cognition and Competency Development in Healthcare: A Model for Integrating Cognitive Ethnography and Communication Skills Training in Clinical Interventions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2024; 11:23821205231223319. [PMID: 38204973 PMCID: PMC10777782 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231223319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to conduct and evaluate the Blended Learning communication skills training program. The key objective was to investigate (i) how clinical intervention studies can be designed to include cognitive, organizational, and interactive processes, and (ii) how researchers and practitioners could work with integrated methods to support the desired change. METHODS The method combined design and implementation of a 12-week Blended Learning communication skills training program based on the Calgary-Cambridge Guide. The training was implemented in a patient clinic at a Danish university hospital and targeted all healthcare professionals at the clinic. Cognitive ethnography was used to document and evaluate healthcare professionals' implementation and individual competency development, and support the design of in-situ simulation training scenarios. RESULTS Thirteen participants completed the program. The synergy within the teams, as well as the opportunities for participants to coordinate, share, discuss, and reflect on the received knowledge with a colleague or on-site researcher, affected learning positively. The knowledge transfer process was affected by negative feedback loops, such as time shortages, issues with concept development and transfer, disjuncture between the expectations of participants and instructors of the overall course structure, as well as participant insecurity and a gradual loss of motivation and compliance. CONCLUSION We propose a novel 3-step model for clinical interventions based on our findings and literature review. This model will effectively support the implementation of educational interventions in health care by narrowing the theory-practice gap. It will also stimulate desired change in individual behavior and organizational culture over time. Furthermore, it will work for the benefit of the clinic and may be more suitable for the implementation of communication projects than, for example, randomized setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Schwalbe
- Center for Human Interactivity, Department of Culture and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Human Interactivity, Department of Language, Culture, History and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Culture and the Mind, Department of English, Germanic and Romance Studies, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Connie Timmermann
- Center for Human Interactivity, Department of Culture and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Trine A Gregersen
- Center for Human Interactivity, Department of Culture and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sune Vork Steffensen
- Centre for Human Interactivity, Department of Language, Culture, History and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Ecolinguistics, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- College of International Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jette Ammentorp
- Center for Human Interactivity, Department of Culture and Communication, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Cha K. The Moderating Role of Cortisol and Negative Emotionality in the Effects of Classroom Size and Window View on Young Children's Executive Functions. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 14:18. [PMID: 38247670 PMCID: PMC10812794 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study probed how baseline cortisol (BC), negative emotionality (NE), and environmental facets-classroom size and window view-interact to affect executive function (EF) in preschoolers using virtual reality (VR). In a cohort of 144 children aged 61-85 months, BC levels were measured by saliva assays and NE by parental surveys. Participants completed computerized EF assessments both pre- and post-exposure to one of four VR conditions, which varied by classroom size (large vs. small) and window view (natural vs. built). Due to missing data and outlier responses, three children were removed from the analyses. Regression analyses, accounting for initial EFs, revealed that higher BC was significantly associated with better Digit-span task scores in the nature view, while lower BC correlated with improved performance in the built view. With regard to classroom size, children with varying levels of NE benefitted from the large classroom environment, as evidenced by marginally significant improvements on the Corsi block task. However, higher NE children outperformed their lower NE peers in the large classroom, while a trend inverted in the small classroom context. The findings illuminate how the physical components of preschool environments may interact with children's physiological reactivity, potentially influencing the development of working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kijoo Cha
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
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22
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Söderlund C, de la Fuente Suárez LA, Tillander A, Toivanen S, Bälter K. The outdoor office: a pilot study of environmental qualities, experiences of office workers, and work-related well-being. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1214338. [PMID: 38169869 PMCID: PMC10758605 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1214338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Outdoor office work is an emerging aspect of the concept of 'new ways of working', but only sparse data are available about the environmental qualities of the outdoor office space, experiences of office workers, and work-related well-being of outdoor office work. Here, we present an exploratory pilot study on well-being and outdoor office work in a public urban space. An outdoor office was set up in the courtyard of a university campus, and the participants (n = 16) conducted office work outdoors for 30 min and thereafter participated in an eye-tracking session for 11-15 min (n = 8) and subsequently filled out surveys (n = 16). The eye tracker allowed the discovery of natural and built elements in the outdoor environment that caught the participants' visual attention, whereas the surveys assessed aspects of their subjective experiences of the outdoor office space (its visual and spatial qualities) and the work there. The results are presented as network graphs where correlations are shown regarding different aspects of office work outdoors. The results indicate that outdoor office work in a public urban space may promote work-related well-being in terms of positive outdoor office space experiences. Based on the findings, a preliminary set of outdoor office qualities is proposed. Those qualities relate to the legibility and imageability of the outdoor office space, its focal points, and depth/spaciousness, in addition to attributes of usability and environmental richness, including if the outdoor office space affords natural contact and supports activities, in addition to social and individual interactions and relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Söderlund
- School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, the Division of Information Design, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | | | - Annika Tillander
- The Division of Statistics and Machine Learning, Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Susanna Toivanen
- School of Health and Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Katarina Bälter
- School of Health and Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Torjinski M, Horwood S. Associations between nature exposure, screen use, and parent-child relations: a scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2023; 12:217. [PMID: 37974236 PMCID: PMC10652600 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today's youth are growing up in an evolving digital world, and concerns about the potential detrimental effects of excessive screen use on biopsychosocial outcomes in childhood are mounting. Parents worry about the impacts of screen-use on their children's wellbeing but at the same time frequently fail to meet their own ideal screen time limits regarding their children's screen use. There is an opportunity to shift research focus away from inflexible and often unrealistic childhood screen time guidelines towards exploration of positive parenting strategies that may have multiple beneficial and significant effects on children's screen-related outcomes. An emerging body of literature suggests that screen time and nature exposure act on psychosocial outcomes in contrasting ways. There is evidence to suggest that exposure to natural environments may counteract some of the potential negative psychosocial effects of excessive screen use; however, this relationship is poorly understood. The overarching aim of this scoping review is to source, categorise, and synthesise existing research exploring the associations between nature exposure, screen use, and parenting across childhood. METHODS This mixed-methods systematic scoping review will be conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework with methodological enhancements from Levac and associates and recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological guidance for conducting scoping reviews. Five electronic databases will be searched from August 2022 onwards. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Peer reviewed articles related to the constructs of nature exposure, screen use, and parent/child relations will be considered in the context of early to late childhood. Study characteristics will be collated using a data charting tool collaboratively developed by the research team. Evidence will be presented using tabular and textual form and described using qualitative thematic analysis. DISCUSSION This review will gather information about how key definitions are conceptualised, defined, and measured across the literature and map existing trends and areas for future research. It is intended that this review will inform and guide future research direction, recommendations, and programs aimed at supporting parents to navigate the challenges of parenting in a digital age. OSF REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TFZDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Torjinski
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, 3220, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Education Building (E Block), Level 4, QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Sharon Horwood
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, 3220, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Education Building (E Block), Level 4, QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Brisbane, Australia
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24
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White MP, Hartig T, Martin L, Pahl S, van den Berg AE, Wells NM, Costongs C, Dzhambov AM, Elliott LR, Godfrey A, Hartl A, Konijnendijk C, Litt JS, Lovell R, Lymeus F, O'Driscoll C, Pichler C, Pouso S, Razani N, Secco L, Steininger MO, Stigsdotter UK, Uyarra M, van den Bosch M. Nature-based biopsychosocial resilience: An integrative theoretical framework for research on nature and health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108234. [PMID: 37832260 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions including urban forests and wetlands can help communities cope better with climate change and other environmental stressors by enhancing social-ecological resilience. Natural ecosystems, settings, elements and affordances can also help individuals become more personally resilient to a variety of stressors, although the mechanisms underpinning individual-level nature-based resilience, and their relations to social-ecological resilience, are not well articulated. We propose 'nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory' (NBRT) to address these gaps. Our framework begins by suggesting that individual-level resilience can refer to both: a) a person's set of adaptive resources; and b) the processes by which these resources are deployed. Drawing on existing nature-health perspectives, we argue that nature contact can support individuals build and maintain biological, psychological, and social (i.e. biopsychosocial) resilience-related resources. Together with nature-based social-ecological resilience, these biopsychosocial resilience resources can: i) reduce the risk of various stressors (preventive resilience); ii) enhance adaptive reactions to stressful circumstances (response resilience), and/or iii) facilitate more rapid and/or complete recovery from stress (recovery resilience). Reference to these three resilience processes supports integration across more familiar pathways involving harm reduction, capacity building, and restoration. Evidence in support of the theory, potential interventions to promote nature-based biopsychosocial resilience, and issues that require further consideration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Austria; European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK.
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Leanne Martin
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nancy M Wells
- Department of Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | | | - Arnulf Hartl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Jill S Litt
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Freddie Lymeus
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Christina Pichler
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sarai Pouso
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Nooshin Razani
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laura Secco
- Department of Territorio e Sistemi Agro-Forestali (TESAF), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ulrika K Stigsdotter
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Uyarra
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Stenfors CUD, Stengård J, Magnusson Hanson LL, Kecklund LG, Westerlund H. Green sleep: Immediate residential greenspace and access to larger green areas are associated with better sleep quality, in a longitudinal population-based cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116085. [PMID: 37207733 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep is pivotal to health, wellbeing and functioning in daily life, but sleep difficulties are common and may be affected by modifiable qualities in the residential surrounding environment, in terms of greenspace. However, population-based studies on individual-level greenspace and sleep are limited. The objective of the current study was thus to investigate prospective associations between fine-grained individual-level residential greenspace and sleep, and moderating effects of life style (physical activity, work status) and sex, in a nationwide population-based Swedish cohort. METHODS Participants of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH)-a population-based sample of adults in Sweden-were studied during 2014-2018 (19,375 individuals; 43,062 observations). Residential greenspace land cover, and coherent green area size, were assessed via high resolution geographic information systems, at 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 m buffers around residences. Prospective greenspace and sleep associations were assessed via multilevel general linear models, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic (individual and neighborhood), life style and urban factors. RESULTS Higher greenspace availability in the immediate residential surroundings (50 m and 100 m buffer zones) was associated with less sleep difficulties, even after adjustment for confounders. Greenspace effects were generally greater among non-working individuals. Among the physically active, and among non-working, greenspace and green area size further away from home (300, 500 and 1000 m, i.e. dependent on mobility) were also associated with less sleep difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Residential greenspace in the immediate residential surroundings is associated with significantly less sleep difficulties. Greenspace further away from home was associated with better sleep especially among the physically active, and non-working individuals. The results highlight the importance of greenspace in the immediate residential-surrounding environment for sleep, and the need to integrate health and environmental policies, urban planning and greening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia U D Stenfors
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Johanna Stengård
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Göran Kecklund
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Westerlund
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Dzhambov AM, Lercher P, Vincens N, Persson Waye K, Klatte M, Leist L, Lachmann T, Schreckenberg D, Belke C, Ristovska G, Kanninen KM, Botteldooren D, Van Renterghem T, Jeram S, Selander J, Arat A, White K, Julvez J, Clark C, Foraster M, van Kamp I. Protective effect of restorative possibilities on cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents: A scoping review including the role of physical activity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116452. [PMID: 37339694 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The exposome approach can be a powerful tool for understanding the intertwining of social, physical, and internal influences that shape mental health and cognitive development throughout childhood. To distil conceptual models for subsequent analyses, the EU-funded project Early Environmental quality and Life-course mental health effects (Equal-Life) has conducted literature reviews on potential mediators linking the exposome to these outcomes. We report on a scoping review and a conceptual model of the role of restorative possibilities and physical activity. Methods Peer-reviewed studies published since the year 2000 in English, on the association between the exposome and mental health/cognition in children/adolescents, and quantitatively investigating restoration/restorative quality as a mediating variable were considered. Database searches were last updated in December 2022. We used an unstructured expert-driven approach to fill in gaps in the reviewed literature. Results Five records of three distinct studies were identified, indicating a scarcity of empirical evidence in this newly developing research area. Not only were these studies few in numbers, but also cross-sectional, lending only tentative support to the idea that perceived restorative quality of adolescent's living environment might mediate the association between greenspace and mental health. Physical activity emerged as a mediator leading to better psychological outcomes in restorative environments. We provide a critical discussion of potential caveats when investigating the restoration mechanism in children and propose a hierarchical model including restoration, physical activity, and relational dynamics between children and their environment, including social context, as well as restorative environments other than nature. Conclusions It is justified to further explore the role of restoration and physical activity as mediators in the association between early-life exposome and mental health/cognitive development. It is important to consider the child perspective and specific methodological caveats. Given the evolving conceptual definitions/operationalizations, Equal-Life will attempt to fill in a critical gap in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Peter Lercher
- Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Natalia Vincens
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Persson Waye
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Klatte
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Larisa Leist
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Thomas Lachmann
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany; Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición, Facultad de Lenguas y Educacion, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dirk Schreckenberg
- Centre for Applied Psychology, Environmental and Social Research (ZEUS GmbH), Hagen, Germany
| | - Christin Belke
- Centre for Applied Psychology, Environmental and Social Research (ZEUS GmbH), Hagen, Germany
| | - Gordana Ristovska
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dick Botteldooren
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timothy Van Renterghem
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sonja Jeram
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jenny Selander
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arzu Arat
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim White
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
| | - Jordi Julvez
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience Group (NeuroÈpia), Reus, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charlotte Clark
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Foraster
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEREsp), Spain; PHAGEX Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene van Kamp
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
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LoTemplio S, Bettmann JE, Scott E, Blumenthal E. Do Mental Health Changes in Nature Co-occur with Changes in Heartrate Variability and Executive Functioning? A Systematic Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:278-290. [PMID: 37516682 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Given the global burden of mental health issues, new solutions are needed to promote mental health. Nature exposure represents a promising option to promote mental health, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent frameworks have argued that changes in mental health in nature are caused by activity changes in the vagus nerve, which connects the heart and the brain, and that these changes also improve executive functioning (EF) abilities. This suggests that changes in mental health symptomology in nature should be accompanied by changes in vagus nerve activity, as well as changes in executive functioning. Yet, little work has systematically examined co-variation of these outcomes in empirical studies. The present manuscript systematically examines whether changes in mental health in nature are accompanied by changes in vagus nerve activity (approximated by heartrate variability) and changes in executive functioning. RECENT FINDINGS There is compelling evidence that spending time in nature can increase heartrate variability, improve mental health, and improve executive functioning. However, despite strong theoretical claims that these three outcomes should be linked after spending time in nature settings, few studies directly examine such co-occurrence. The study systematically examines whether studies that considered both mental health and executive functioning (n = 6) showed co-occurring effects in response to nature exposure. Similarly, the study also considers if studies examining mental health and heartrate variability (n = 6) showed similarly directional effects following nature exposure. This systematic review concludes with discussion about the limited number of studies (n =1) that include all three measures. We find mixed results of co-occurrence with these variables, suggesting that the relationship between these three constructs in nature may be more nuanced than current theory suggests. Perhaps more importantly, our results demonstrate that there is very little existing work linking changes in mental health to changes in EF and vagal tone. We conclude with justification for why it may be beneficial for researchers to include all three metrics as well as guidance on how to do so.
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Rhee JH, Schermer B, Han G, Park SY, Lee KH. Effects of nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in indoor environment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13199. [PMID: 37580348 PMCID: PMC10425438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of natural exposure in an indoor environment on restorative quality and cognitive ability. Thirty participants were shown nature at three different indoor sites: baseline, indoor (some vegetation), and semi-indoor (a large amount of vegetation and view to sky) for five minutes. After viewing, they completed an assessment of restoration and a cognitive task, and their electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Compared to the baseline, the sites with nature resulted in restorative (higher perceived restoration scores) and cognitive (higher working memory performance and lower delta-to-theta ratio (DTR), delta-to-alpha ratio (DAR), theta-to-beta ratio (TBR), and alpha-to-beta ratio (ABR) responses) benefits. These findings further our understanding of the effects of exposure to nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in an indoor environment, and help to build guidance for future research on the effects of nature indoors and designing restorative- and cognitive-enhancing indoor spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Heon Rhee
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Institute of Engineering Research, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Brian Schermer
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gisung Han
- Institute of Engineering Research, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Kyung Hoon Lee
- Department of Architecture, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
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29
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Tomasso LP, Spengler JD, Catalano PJ, Chen JT, Laurent JGC. In situ psycho-cognitive assessments support self-determined urban green exercise time. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2023; 86:128005. [PMID: 37483383 PMCID: PMC10358366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Prescribed nature walks frequently yield improvements to mood and cognition as observed in experimental studies. Research that uses real life settings such as self-determined time exercising outdoors for restorative health benefits may more accurately elicit effects than time-specified study protocols. This study examined in situ psycho-cognitive outcomes of routine walks in urban greenspace to test the concept that self-set exposure duration and not context alone is related to magnitude of psycho-cognitive benefit. Pre-post measurements taken on a diverse participant pool of individuals walking in urban parks and recruited on random days over a two-week period found significant associations between outdoor activity duration and cognitive and mood improvements. Greater outdoor walking duration linearly predicted stronger processing speeds but non-linearly in tests of other cognitive domains. Results of fixed effects model for mean mood change following green exercise show outdoor walking influenced mood change at highest levels of significance, even after accounting for individual level variability in duration. Mood improved for all durations of outdoor walking under a random effects model with high significance. Untethering fixed intervals of outdoor exercise from formal study design revealed briefer but more frequent nature engagement aligned with nature affinity. The influence of unmeasured factors, e.g., nature affinity or restorative conditioning, for prescriptive durations of urban green exercise merits further investigation toward designing wellbeing interventions directed at specific urban populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Powers Tomasso
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Population Health Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - John D. Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Paul J. Catalano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Jarvis T. Chen
- Population Health Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
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de Vries S, Hermans T, Langers F. Effects of indoor plants on office workers: a field study in multiple Dutch organizations. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1196106. [PMID: 37457080 PMCID: PMC10346441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1196106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the period 2019-2020, the effect of plants in the workspace on (a) the physical indoor climate, (b) the perception of the workspace by office workers, and (c) their health, well-being and functioning was investigated in nine organizations. This paper reports the outcomes of the latter part. A conceptual model describing the short-term, medium and long-term effect of plants on people was formulated, containing 18 outcome variables. A "Before After Control Impact" quasi-experimental research design was used. A control workspace and an intervention workspace were selected in each of the organizations. A pre-measurement was conducted in both. Correlational analyses, based on the pre-measurements in all organizations and workspaces, confirmed the associations proposed by the conceptual model to a large extent. After placing plants in the intervention workspace, a maximum of two post-intervention measurements were conducted (due to COVID-19 not in all nine organizations), the last one at least 4 months after the introduction of the plants. Overall significant effects were found on complaints about dry air (fewer), the sense of privacy (higher), the attractiveness of the workspace (higher), satisfaction with the workspace (greater) and having a health-related complaint, especially when at work (fewer). The first three effects were already observed in the analyses only including the first post-measurement. The latter two effects only showed up in the analyses including two post-measurements. No direct effect of the plants could be demonstrated on the 13 other outcome variables. The observed effects mainly concern outcome variables that are positioned at the beginning of the proposed causal chain, starting with plants and ending with mental health, absenteeism and job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjerp de Vries
- Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Cultural Geography Group (GEO), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Tia Hermans
- Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Fransje Langers
- Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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31
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Garrett JK, Rowney FM, White MP, Lovell R, Fry RJ, Akbari A, Geary R, Lyons RA, Mizen A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker C, Song J, Stratton G, Thompson DA, Watkins A, White J, Williams SA, Rodgers SE, Wheeler BW. Visiting nature is associated with lower socioeconomic inequalities in well-being in Wales. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9684. [PMID: 37322030 PMCID: PMC10272170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environments can promote well-being through multiple mechanisms. Many studies have investigated relationships between residential green/blue space (GBS) and well-being, fewer explore relationships with actual use of GBS. We used a nationally representative survey, the National Survey for Wales, anonymously linked with spatial GBS data to investigate associations of well-being with both residential GBS and time in nature (N = 7631). Both residential GBS and time spent in nature were associated with subjective well-being. Higher green-ness was associated with lower well-being, counter to hypotheses (predicting the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): Enhanced vegetation index β = - 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 3.63, - 0.05) but time spent in nature was associated with higher well-being (four hours a week in nature vs. none β = 3.57, 95% CI 3.02, 4.13). There was no clear association between nearest GBS proximity and well-being. In support of the equigenesis theory, time spent in nature was associated with smaller socioeconomic inequalities in well-being. The difference in WEMWBS (possible range 14-70) between those who did and did not live in material deprivation was 7.7 points for those spending no time in nature, and less at 4.5 points for those spending time in nature up to 1 h per week. Facilitating access and making it easier for people to spend time in nature may be one way to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Rich J Fry
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Chrissie Parker
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Gareth Stratton
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, ASTEM Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Daniel A Thompson
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
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Mostajeran F, Steinicke F, Reinhart S, Stuerzlinger W, Riecke BE, Kühn S. Adding virtual plants leads to higher cognitive performance and psychological well-being in virtual reality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8053. [PMID: 37198210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown the positive effects of exposure to real and virtual nature. To investigate how such benefits might generalize to ever-more-prevalent virtual workplaces, we examined the effects of the absence or presence of virtual plants in an office environment in Virtual Reality (VR) on users' cognitive performance and psychological well-being. The results of our user study with 39 participants show that in the presence of virtual plants, participants performed significantly better in both short-term memory and creativity tasks. Furthermore, they reported higher psychological well-being scores, including positive affect and attentive coping, whilst reporting lower feelings of anger and aggression after exposure to virtual plants in VR. The virtual office with plants was also perceived as more restorative and induced a higher sense of presence. Overall, these results highlight how the presence of virtual plants in VR can have positive influences on users, and therefore, constitute important design considerations when developing future working and learning spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Mostajeran
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Steinicke
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Reinhart
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stuerzlinger
- VVISE Lab, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Bernhard E Riecke
- iSpace Lab, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Simone Kühn
- Neural Plasticity Group, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck-UCL Center for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, 14159, Berlin, Germany
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Buczyłowska D, Zhao T, Singh N, Jurczak A, Siry A, Markevych I. Exposure to greenspace and bluespace and cognitive functioning in children - A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115340. [PMID: 36731600 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of greenspace and bluespace research in relation to cognitive outcomes is rapidly growing. Several systematic reviews have already been published on this topic but none of them are specific to cognitive outcomes in the entire age range of children. Moreover, only a few of them have examined the effects of bluespace in addition to greenspace. Also, theses reviews are focused either only on observational studies or experimental studies. Our systematic review focuses on cognitive outcomes in relation to greenspace and bluespace in children and adolescents aged 0-18; it captures both observational and experimental studies. Cognitive outcomes are presented according to an evidence-based taxonomy of human cognitive abilities: the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory. METHODS We conducted searches in the PubMed and PsychInfo databases, from their inception dates to 17 December 2021. We used three-text terms related to outcome, exposure, and population as well as MeSH terms for outcome and population. Further, the reference lists and existing reviews were searched ("snowball" search) until 21 April 2022 to detect additional studies. For the results reporting, we followed the updated guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA). We included observational and experimental studies on greenspace or bluespace exposure in relation to cognitive functioning, published in English, German, or Polish. Two reviewers independently checked study eligibility and extracted data. Two reviewers evaluated the risk of bias according to the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. At all stages, discrepancies between the two reviewers were solved via discussion with a third reviewer. RESULTS Records identified from PubMed (n = 2030) and PsycINFO (n = 1168) were deduplicated and screened. Twenty one reports were first selected. The "snowball" search revealed 16 additional reports. Altogether, 39 studies (17 experimental and 22 observational) published in 37 reports were qualified. The data extraction showed that the methodology used in the studies was heterogenous and the findings were inconsistent. The majority of the studies investigated attentional functioning, which we subdivided into two categories according to the CHC theory: attentional control and reaction and decision speed (12 studies) and attentional control and processing speed (10 studies). Eleven studies investigated working memory and/or short-term memory that we categorized as CHC working memory capacity. Nine studies investigated intellectual functioning, which we categorized as CHC general ability, fluid reasoning, and comprehension-knowledge. Two studies investigated visual-spatial skills, which we categorized as CHC visual processing and psychomotor speed. One study measured parent-reported attention; two studies examined early childhood/cognitive development; three studies examined decision-making and self-regulation, which can be categorized as several CHC theory abilities. DISCUSSION The heterogeneity of the included studies does not permit clear conclusions for our review. In accordance with previous systematic reviews, greenspace and bluespace were not more strongly related to a particular domain of cognitive functioning than other cognitive domains, and no effects of age or type of exposure assessment on the association between nature and cognition were detected. Further research is needed, including state-of-the-art of assessment of cognitive outcomes and diverse exposure assessment methods within both observational and experimental approaches. Expertise will be required in several domains, such as environmental epidemiology, cognitive psychology, and neuropsychology. Systematic review registration number (INPLASY): 202220018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nitika Singh
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Jurczak
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Siry
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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Boere K, Lloyd K, Binsted G, Krigolson OE. Exercising is good for the brain but exercising outside is potentially better. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1140. [PMID: 36670116 PMCID: PMC9859790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that exercise increases cognitive function. However, the environment in which the exercise is performed may be just as important as the exercise itself. Time spent in natural outdoor environments has been found to lead to increases in cognition similar to those resulting from acute exercise. Therefore, the benefits of both exercise and nature exposure suggest an additive impact on brain function when both factors are combined. This raises the question: what is the interaction between acute exercise and environment on cognition? We answered this question using electroencephalography to probe cognitive function using the oddball task before and after brief indoor and outdoor walks on 30 participants (average 21 years old, 95% CI [20, 22]). Our results demonstrate improved performance and an increase in the amplitude of the P300, an event-related neural response commonly associated with attention and working memory, following a 15-min walk outside; a result not seen following a 15-min walk inside. Importantly, this finding indicates that the environment may play a more substantial role in increasing cognitive function such as attention than exercise, at least in terms of acute exercise (i.e., a brief walk). With the world's growing urbanization and the associated increase in sedentary time indoors, a deeper understanding of how these factors interact and influence cognition may be critical to combat adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Boere
- Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, STN CSC, PO Box 1700, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Kelsey Lloyd
- Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, STN CSC, PO Box 1700, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Gordon Binsted
- Faculty of Health, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Olave E Krigolson
- Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, STN CSC, PO Box 1700, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
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Noseworthy M, Peddie L, Buckler EJ, Park F, Pham M, Pratt S, Singh A, Puterman E, Liu-Ambrose T. The Effects of Outdoor versus Indoor Exercise on Psychological Health, Physical Health, and Physical Activity Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Trials. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1669. [PMID: 36767034 PMCID: PMC9914639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research is exploring the potential added health benefits of exercise when performed outdoors in nature versus indoors. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of exercise in outdoor environments versus indoor environments on psychological health, physical health, and physical activity behaviour. We searched nine databases from inception to March 2021 for English language, peer-reviewed articles: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, GreenFile, and CENTRAL. We included randomized and non-randomized trials that compared multiple bouts of exercise in outdoor versus indoor environments, and that assessed at least one outcome related to physical health, psychological health, or physical activity behaviour. Due to minimal outcome overlap and a paucity of studies, we performed a narrative synthesis. We identified 10 eligible trials, including 7 randomized controlled trials, and a total of 343 participants. Participant demographics, exercise protocols, and outcomes varied widely. In the 10 eligible studies, a total of 99 comparisons were made between outdoor and indoor exercise; all 25 statistically significant comparisons favoured outdoor exercise. Interpretation of findings was hindered by an overall high risk of bias, unclear reporting, and high outcome heterogeneity. There is limited evidence for added health or behaviour benefits of outdoor exercise versus indoor exercise. Rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed with larger samples and clear reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Noseworthy
- Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Luke Peddie
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - E. Jean Buckler
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Faith Park
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Margaret Pham
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Spencer Pratt
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Arpreet Singh
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Eli Puterman
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
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Effects of exposure to immersive computer-generated virtual nature and control environments on affect and cognition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:220. [PMID: 36604527 PMCID: PMC9815073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that exposure to immersive virtual nature environments is able to induce positive affective and physiological effects. However, research on the effects on cognitive performance is scarce. Additionally, the effects of virtual nature exposure compared to a virtual control environment with a comparable amount of virtual objects have not been examined so far. Therefore, we conducted an experiment with 27 participants to study the psychological effects of such exposure. The virtual nature consisted of a 3D model of a typical forest environment, whereas the control environment was an abstract replication of the virtual forest environment. In both environments, a virtual wooden cart was used to transport the users from the start to the end of the virtual road. The typical background noise of moving such a cart was integrated into both environments as well. In addition, the virtual nature environment included typical forest sounds in the background, whereas the control condition did not have such background sounds. Both environments were compared with regard to their effects on cognitive performance (using trail making tests (TMTA, TMTB, and TMTB-A) as well as digit span forward and digit span backward tests), perceived restorativeness, mood, stress, sense of presence, and simulator sickness. The results showed that in comparison to the control environment, exposure to the virtual nature resulted in significantly higher cognitive performance, higher perceived restorativeness, higher positive affect, higher sense of presence, lower perceived stress, and lower simulator sickness.
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Astell-Burt T, Hipp JA, Gatersleben B, Adlakha D, Marselle M, Olcoń K, Pappas E, Kondo M, Booth G, Bacon S, Lem M, Francois M, Halcomb E, Moxham L, Davidson P, Feng X. Need and Interest in Nature Prescriptions to Protect Cardiovascular and Mental Health: A Nationally-Representative Study With Insights for Future Randomised Trials. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:114-123. [PMID: 36588036 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE "Nature prescriptions" are increasingly being adopted by health sectors as an adjunct to standard care to attend to health and social needs. We investigated levels of need and interest in nature prescriptions in adults with cardiovascular diseases, psychological distress and concomitants (e.g. physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, obesity, loneliness, burn-out). METHODS A nationally-representative survey of 3,319 adults across all states and territories of Australia was completed in February 2021 (response 84.0%). Participants were classified across 15 target groups using validated health indicators and surveyed on (1) time and frequency of visits to green and blue spaces (nature spaces), (2) interest in a nature prescription, and (3) potential confounders (e.g. age, income). Analyses were done using weighted logistic regressions. RESULTS The sample was 50.5% female, 52.0% were aged ≥45 years, 15.2% were living alone and 19.3% were born overseas in non-English-speaking countries. Two-thirds of the sample spent 2 hours or more a week in nature, but these levels were generally lower in target groups (e.g. 57.7% in adults with type 2 diabetes). Most participants (81.9%) were interested in a nature prescription, even among those spending fewer than 2 hours a week in nature (76.4%). For example, 2 hours a week or more in nature was lowest among sedentary adults (36.9%) yet interest in nature prescriptions in this group was still high (74.0%). Lower levels of nature contact in target groups was not explained by differences in access to or preference for local nature spaces. CONCLUSIONS High levels of interest in nature prescriptions amid low levels of nature contact in many target health groups provides impetus for developing randomised trials of interventions that enable people to spend more time in nature. These findings can inform intervention co-design processes with a wide range of community stakeholders, end-users in target health groups, and the health professionals who support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Astell-Burt
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - J Aaron Hipp
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Center for Geospatial Analytics, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Birgitta Gatersleben
- Environmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Melissa Marselle
- Environmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Katarzyna Olcoń
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Evangelos Pappas
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Kondo
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Philadelphia Field Station, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gillian Booth
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Bacon
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Melissa Lem
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Monique Francois
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Halcomb
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorna Moxham
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Patricia Davidson
- The Vice-Chancellor's Unit (P.M.D.), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The George Institute of Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Scott EE, Crabtree KW, McDonnell AS, LoTemplio SB, McNay GD, Strayer DL. Measuring affect and complex working memory in natural and urban environments. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1039334. [PMID: 36949906 PMCID: PMC10026564 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1039334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research suggests that spending time in natural environments is associated with cognitive and affective benefits, while increased use of technology and time spent in urban environments are associated with depletion of cognitive resources and an increasing prevalence of mental illness. Attention Restoration Theory suggests that exposure to natural environments can restore depleted attentional resources and thereby improve cognitive functioning and mood. Specifically, recent meta-analyses have revealed that the most improved cognitive abilities after nature exposure include selective attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Methods While existing studies examined these cognitive abilities, few have examined the Operation Span (OSPAN), a complex measure of working memory capacity. Therefore, the current study (N = 100) compared performance on the OSPAN and self-reported mood using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule before and after a 30-min walk in a natural or urban environment. Results Results from the study showed that both groups exhibited an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect, suggesting that going outside for a walk can boost mood regardless of environment type. Inconsistent with past work, there were no significant changes in OSPAN scores before and after the walk for either environment type. Discussion Future studies should analyze how the length of time spent in the environment, certain characteristics of the environment, and individual differences in connectedness to nature may impact attention restoration to gain insight on nature's ability to improve our affect and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Scott
- Department of Psychological Science, Vermont State University, Johnson, VT, United States
- *Correspondence: Emily E. Scott,
| | - Kaedyn W. Crabtree
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Amy S. McDonnell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Sara B. LoTemplio
- Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Glen D. McNay
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - David L. Strayer
- Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Liu H, Shi R, Liao R, Liu Y, Che J, Bai Z, Cheng N, Ma H. Machine Learning Based on Event-Related EEG of Sustained Attention Differentiates Adults with Chronic High-Altitude Exposure from Healthy Controls. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121677. [PMID: 36552137 PMCID: PMC9775506 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of high altitude on inhibitory control processes that underlie sustained attention in the neural correlates of EEG data, and explore whether the EEG data reflecting inhibitory control contain valuable information to classify high-altitude chronic hypoxia and plain controls. (2) Methods: 35 chronic high-altitude hypoxic adults and 32 matched controls were recruited. They were required to perform the go/no-go sustained attention task (GSAT) using event-related potentials. Three machine learning algorithms, namely a support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), and a decision tree (DT), were trained based on the related ERP components and neural oscillations to build a dichotomous classification model. (3) Results: Behaviorally, we found that the high altitude (HA) group had lower omission error rates during all observation periods than the low altitude (LA) group. Meanwhile, the ERP results showed that the HA participants had significantly shorter latency than the LAs for sustained potential (SP), indicating vigilance to response-related conflict. Meanwhile, event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) analysis suggested that lowlander immigrants exposed to high altitudes may have compensatory activated prefrontal cortexes (PFC), as reflected by slow alpha, beta, and theta frequency-band neural oscillations. Finally, the machine learning results showed that the SVM achieved the optimal classification F1 score in the later stage of sustained attention, with an F1 score of 0.93, accuracy of 92.54%, sensitivity of 91.43%, specificity of 93.75%, and area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.97. The results proved that SVM classification algorithms could be applied to identify chronic high-altitude hypoxia. (4) Conclusions: Compared with other methods, the SVM leads to a good overall performance that increases with the time spent on task, illustrating that the ERPs and neural oscillations may provide neuroelectrophysiological markers for identifying chronic plateau hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Liu
- Psychology Department, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Nerve Injury and Repair, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
- Hebei International Research Center of Medical Engineering, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Ruijuan Shi
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa 850012, China
| | - Runchao Liao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.M.); Tel.: +86-187-3246-7083 (Y.L.); +86-150-8905-6060 (H.M.)
| | - Jiajun Che
- Psychology Department, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Ziyu Bai
- Psychology Department, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Nan Cheng
- Psychology Department, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Hailin Ma
- Hebei International Research Center of Medical Engineering, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.M.); Tel.: +86-187-3246-7083 (Y.L.); +86-150-8905-6060 (H.M.)
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Mental imagery of nature induces positive psychological effects. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04088-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Exposure to natural environments promotes positive psychological effects. Experimental studies on this issue typically have not been able to distinguish the contributions of top-down processes from stimulus-driven bottom-up processing. We tested in an online study whether mental imagery (top-down processing) of restorative natural environments would produce positive psychological effects, as compared with restorative built and non-restorative urban environments. The participants (n = 70) from two countries (Finland and Norway) imagined being present in different environments for 30 s, after which they rated their subjective experiences relating to vividness of imagery, relaxation, emotional arousal, valence (positivity vs. negativity) of emotions, and mental effort. In addition, a psychometric scale measuring vividness of imagination, a scale measuring nature connectedness, and a questionnaire measuring preference of the imagined environments were filled-in. Imagery of natural environments elicited stronger positive emotional valence and more relaxation than imagery of built and urban environments. Nature connectedness and preference moderated these effects, but they did not fully explain the affective benefits of nature. Scores in a psychometric imagery scale were associated in consistent way to the subjective ratings in the imagery task, suggesting that the participants performed attentively and honestly in reporting their subjective experiences. We conclude that top-down factors play a key role in the psychological effects of nature. A practical implication of the findings is that inclusion of natural elements in imagery-based interventions may help to increasing positive affective states.
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Craig CM, Neilson BN, Altman GC, Travis AT, Vance JA. Applying Restorative Environments in the Home Office While Sheltering-in-Place. HUMAN FACTORS 2022; 64:1351-1362. [PMID: 33410358 DOI: 10.1177/0018720820984286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to spotlight specific methods for people working from home to apply restorative environment research to improve productivity and mental health during shelter-in-place. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to sheltering-in-place and telework. While necessary, these strategies may lead to negative consequences such as social isolation and worse performance. However, nature environments have been shown to have a variety of positive effects in several different settings, including improved attention, positive affect, and increased job satisfaction, and these may be translated to the home workspace setting. METHOD This provides a narrative review of the environmental psychology literature, describing articles involving nature in a task performance or stress context and how it has been applied. It then moves on to discuss how these findings could possibly be applied in the context of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Although beneficial results are mixed, the review found a variety of relatively simple and cost-effective methods that could assist workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including taking a break in nature and implementing nature in the workspace. APPLICATION The application of restorative environment research could be an efficient way of mitigating the negative psychological effects due to at-home sheltering and telework in order to combat COVID-19.
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Herchet M, Varadarajan S, Kolassa IT, Hofmann M. How Nature Benefits Mental Health. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. We present an overview of the evidence of how nature benefits mental health, popular theories used to explain the effects, and the development potential of these theories. A large body of evidence highlights the beneficial effects of nature on mental health, with observed outcomes ranging from alleviating the symptoms of psychiatric disorders to improvements in cognitive abilities. The theoretical backbone for these salutary effects of nature consists of a set of models, mainly the attention restoration theory (ART), the stress reduction theory (SRT), and the Biophilia hypothesis. However, these high-level models are only loosely related and lack a pronounced biopsychological basis. While biopsychological measurements have been used widely in recent years, these efforts have not sufficiently been reflected in theories aiming to explain the benefits of nature contact for mental health. This paper seeks to encourage interdisciplinary work and further theory development to guide both research and practice toward strategically green and healthy living conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Herchet
- Center for Open Digital Innovation and Participation (CODIP), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Germany
| | - Suchithra Varadarajan
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology & Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology & Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Mathias Hofmann
- Center for Open Digital Innovation and Participation (CODIP), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Germany
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Czepczor-Bernat K, Modrzejewska J, Modrzejewska A, Swami V. The Impact of a Woodland Walk on Body Image: A Field Experiment and an Assessment of Dispositional and Environmental Determinants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14548. [PMID: 36361429 PMCID: PMC9654471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that nature exposure is associated with a more positive body image, but field studies remain relatively infrequent. Here, we examine the impact of a woodland walk on an index of state positive body image (i.e., state body appreciation), as well as dispositional and environmental determinants of body image improvements. Eighty-seven Polish women went for a walk in Cygański Las, an ancient woodland, and completed a measure of state body appreciation before and after the walk. As hypothesised, state body appreciation was significantly higher post-walk compared to pre-walk (d = 0.56). Additionally, we found that the trait of self-compassion-but not the traits of connectedness to nature, perceived aesthetic qualities of the woodland, or subjective restoration-was significantly associated with larger improvements in state body appreciation. These results suggest that even relatively brief exposure to nature results in elevated state body appreciation, with the dispositional trait of self-compassion being associated with larger effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Czepczor-Bernat
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Obesity and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Justyna Modrzejewska
- Institute of Pedagogy, University of Bielsko-Biała, 43-309 Bielsko-Biala, Poland
| | - Adriana Modrzejewska
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Viren Swami
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB1 1PT, UK
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia
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Mavros P, J Wälti M, Nazemi M, Ong CH, Hölscher C. A mobile EEG study on the psychophysiological effects of walking and crowding in indoor and outdoor urban environments. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18476. [PMID: 36323718 PMCID: PMC9628500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental psychologists have established multiple psychological benefits of interaction with natural, compared to urban, environments on emotion, cognition, and attention. Yet, given the increasing urbanisation worldwide, it is equally important to understand how differences within different urban environments influence human psychological experience. We developed a laboratory experiment to examine the psychophysiological effects of the physical (outdoor or indoor) and social (crowded versus uncrowded) environment in healthy young adults, and to validate the use of mobile electroencephalography (EEG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) measurements during active walking. Participants (N = 42) were randomly assigned into a walking or a standing group, and watched six 1-min walk-through videos of green, urban indoor and urban outdoor environments, depicting high or low levels of social density. Self-reported emotional states show that green spaces is perceived as more calm and positive, and reduce attentional demands. Further, the outdoor urban space is perceived more positively than the indoor environment. These findings are consistent with earlier studies on the psychological benefits of nature and confirm the effectiveness of our paradigm and stimuli. In addition, we hypothesised that even short-term exposure to crowded scenes would have negative psychological effects. We found that crowded scenes evoked higher self-reported arousal, more negative self-reported valence, and recruited more cognitive and attentional resources. However, in walking participants, they evoked higher frontal alpha asymmetry, suggesting more positive affective responses. Furthermore, we found that using recent signal-processing methods, the EEG data produced a comparable signal-to-noise ratio between walking and standing, and that despite differences between walking and standing, skin-conductance also captured effectively psychophysiological responses to stimuli. These results suggest that emotional responses to visually presented stimuli can be measured effectively using mobile EEG and EDA in ambulatory settings, and that there is complex interaction between active walking, the social density of urban spaces, and direct and indirect affective responses to such environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Mavros
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Cities Laboratory, CREATE campus, 1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
| | - Michel J Wälti
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Cities Laboratory, CREATE campus, 1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Mohsen Nazemi
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Cities Laboratory, CREATE campus, 1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Crystal Huiyi Ong
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Cities Laboratory, CREATE campus, 1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christoph Hölscher
- Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Cities Laboratory, CREATE campus, 1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- Chair of Cognitive Science, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
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Tomasso LP, Chen JT. Toward a Theory of Nature Experience and Health. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022; 14:282-297. [PMID: 36590863 PMCID: PMC9793414 DOI: 10.1089/eco.2022.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This article presents an integrated theoretical framework to study the socioenvironmental attributes of the nature experience as a basic health behavior. After first reviewing existing literature on theories behind nature exposure, we discuss social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain individual nature experience through the model's triadic dynamic of environment, cognitions, and behaviors. We then expand beyond SCT's focus on the individual to examine structural and societal spheres of influence on nature experience found in ecological systems theory and ecosocial theory. In moving from proximal to distal influences, we identify the core constructs of each theory that may reinforce or deter decisions inclining individuals toward nature engagement. In synthesizing aspects of these three theories, we propose an integrated theoretical framework of nature experience distinguished by three ideas. First, individual-level formative influences in nature pervade higher level ecologies as a learned social behavior. Second, nature experience happens within multiple systems and timepoints. Third, social relationships within historical processes shape contextual factors of the nature experience, resulting in disparities in nature access and nature responses that manifest heterogeneously. Theorizing behind nature experience can inform why this occurs. We offer suggestions for further research to build on the groundwork put forth here: for hypothesizing around present observations, for collecting data to confirm and/or refute parts of the theory, and for further hypothesis generation inspired by the theory to inform the research agenda. In conclusion, we consider the practical implications of theory underlying nature experience as a health behavior relevant to research, interventions, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Powers Tomasso
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Population Health Sciences Program, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Address correspondence to: Linda Powers Tomasso, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jarvis T. Chen
- Population Health Sciences Program, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Jones RJF, Littzen COR. An Analysis of Theoretical Perspectives in Research on Nature-Based Interventions and Pain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12740. [PMID: 36232042 PMCID: PMC9566272 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain results from a complex series of biomechanical, inflammatory, neurological, psychological, social, and environmental mechanisms. Pain and pain-related diseases are the leading causes of disability and disease burden globally. Employing nature-based interventions for the treatment of pain is an emerging field. Current theory driving the suggested mechanism(s) linking the pain reducing effects of nature-based interventions is lacking. A two-step approach was taken to complete a theoretical review and analysis. First, a literature review was completed to gather a substantive amount of research related to theoretical frameworks on the topic of nature-based interventions and pain. Secondly, a theoretical analysis as proposed by Walker and Avant was completed to explore current theoretical frameworks accepted in the literature on nature-based interventions and pain. Stress reduction theory and attention restoration theory were the most common theoretical frameworks identified. Neither theoretical framework explicitly identifies, describes, or intends to adequately measure the concept of pain, revealing a limitation for their application in research with nature-based interventions and pain. Theoretical development is needed, as it pertains to nature-based interventions and pain. Without this development, research on nature-based interventions and pain will continue to use proxy concepts for measurement and may result in misrepresented findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reo J. F. Jones
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| | - Chloé O. R. Littzen
- School of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
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Rowley M, Topciu R, Owens M. A Systematic Review of Mechanisms Underpinning Psychological Change Following Nature Exposure in an Adolescent Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12649. [PMID: 36231949 PMCID: PMC9566701 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to identify mechanisms of psychological change following exposure to nature within an adolescent population. Keyword searches within Scopus, PsychINFO and Web of Science were carried out to include articles published by 14 September 2021. Records were reviewed in line with inclusion criteria: samples with an average age of 24 and under, exposure to nature vs. control using an experimental or quasi-experimental design and outcomes of mental health and psychological status. The review resulted in 27 papers that were assessed for methodological quality and manually searched for mediation analyses. A range of psychological outcomes were identified and grouped into 10 categories: Mood and Affect, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Perceived Restoration, Stress, Energy, Cognitive Functioning, Resilience, Self-Concept and Pro-Social Behaviour. Only one formal mediation analysis was reported, highlighting a mediating role of belonging in increases in resilience. Limitations include the majority use of university student samples and over half of the papers being of low methodological quality. No firm conclusions on key mechanisms in an adolescent population were made due to insufficient evidence of mediating variables. The development of methodologically rigorous experimental studies with the inclusion of statistical pathway modelling is needed to test and specify plausible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowley
- CEDAR (Clinical Education Development and Research), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton TA1 5DA, UK
| | - Raluca Topciu
- CEDAR (Clinical Education Development and Research), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
| | - Matthew Owens
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QQ, UK
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Sudimac S, Kühn S. A one-hour walk in nature reduces amygdala activity in women, but not in men. Front Psychol 2022; 13:931905. [PMID: 36248579 PMCID: PMC9556704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban dwellers are more likely to develop mental disorders such as mood and anxiety disorder as well as schizophrenia compared to rural dwellers. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that even short-term exposure to nature can improve mood and decrease stress, but the underlying neural mechanisms are currently under investigation. In the present intervention study we examined the effects of a one-hour walk in an urban vs. natural environment on activity in the amygdala, a brain region previously associated with stress processing. Before and after the walk 63 participants underwent an fMRI paradigm inducing social stress. Since there is a pronounced gap in the literature regarding interindividual differences in stress-related neural effects of urban and natural environments, we set out to explore sex differences. We observed that amygdala activity decreased after the walk in nature, but only in women, suggesting that women may profit more from salutogenic effects of nature. Moreover, performance on the arithmetic tasks improved in women after the walk in nature, whereas men performed better after the walk in the urban environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report differencial tendencies in men and women concerning the stress-related neural activity as an effect of acute exposure to urban vs. natural environments. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of sex differences when exploring effects of the environment on brain function and stress. Evidence for beneficial effects of nature on stress-related brain regions may inform urban design policies to focus on providing more accessible green areas in cities and this study suggests that sex differences in experiencing the environment should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Sudimac
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Dahlem Campus of Cognition (MPDCC), Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course (LIFE), Lentzeallee 94, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sonja Sudimac,
| | - Simone Kühn
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Dahlem Campus of Cognition (MPDCC), Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research Berlin, Germany and London, UK, Lentzeallee 94, Berlin, Germany
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Sun H, Soh KG, Roslan S, Wazir MRWN, Mohammadi A, Ding C, Zhao Z. Nature exposure might be the intervention to improve the self-regulation and skilled performance in mentally fatigue athletes: A narrative review and conceptual framework. Front Psychol 2022; 13:941299. [PMID: 35983203 PMCID: PMC9378859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.941299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to causing inability of self-regulation (ego depletion) and executive functions such as directed attention and visual searching for relevant information (e.g., the ball location and the position of teammates), mental fatigue impairs skilled performance in various sports. On the other hand, natural scenes could improve directed attention, which may considerably benefit visual searching ability and self-regulation. However, nature exposure as a potential intervention to improve skilled performance among mentally fatigued athletes has not been discussed thoroughly. Purpose To propose the potential intervention for the impairment of skilled performance among mentally fatigued athletes and generate a framework for future studies. Methods A narrative review was applied to search broadly across disciplines, retrieving literature from several databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost). Results Thirty-three works of literature including 39 experiments (mental fatigue 15; ego depletion 5; and nature exposure 19) were obtained. Finally, a conceptual framework was built regarding the effect of nature exposure intervention on skilled performance in athletes for future studies. Conclusion Three theories (the psychobiological model of exercise performance, the strength model of self-regulation, and attention restoration theory) could be potentially integrated to be a conceptual framework and explain the mechanism of preventing prior mental exertion (e.g., mental fatigue and ego depletion). Future studies could examine more on the duration of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Sun
- School of Physical Education Institute (Main Campus), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kim G. Soh
- Department of Sport Studies, Faculty of Education Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samsilah Roslan
- Department of Foundation of Education, Faculty of Education Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Alireza Mohammadi
- Faculty of Business Management, City University Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Cong Ding
- Department of Sport Studies, Faculty of Education Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zijian Zhao
- School of Physical Education Institute (Main Campus), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zijian Zhao,
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Lymeus F, White MP, Lindberg P, Hartig T. Restoration Skills Training in a Natural Setting Compared to Conventional Mindfulness Training: Sustained Advantages at a 6-Month Follow-Up. Front Psychol 2022; 13:763650. [PMID: 35978765 PMCID: PMC9376351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoration skills training (ReST) is a mindfulness-based course in which participants draw support from a natural practice setting while they learn to meditate. Well-established conventional mindfulness training (CMT) can improve psychological functioning but many perceive it as demanding and fail to sustain practice habits. Applying non-inferiority logic, previous research indicated that ReST overcomes compliance problems without compromising the benefits gained over 5 weeks’ training. This article applies similar logic in a 6-month follow-up. Of 97 contacted ReST and CMT course completers, 68 responded and 29 were included with multiple imputation data. The online survey included questions about their psychological functioning in three domains (dispositional mindfulness, cognitive lapses, and perceived stress) and the forms and frequencies with which they had continued to practice mindfulness after the course. Former ReST participants continued, on average, to show higher dispositional mindfulness and fewer cognitive lapses compared to pre-course ratings. Improved psychological functioning in one or more domains was demonstrated by 35%, as determined by a reliable change index. Again, analyses detected no indications of any substantive disadvantages compared to the more demanding, established CMT approach. Compared to the CMT group, more ReST participants had also continued to practice at least occasionally (92 vs. 67%). Continued practice was linked to sustained improvements for ReST but not clearly so for CMT. ReST participants thus continued to use the skills and sustained the improvements in psychological functioning that they had gained in the course, further supporting the utility of ReST as a health intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddie Lymeus
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Freddie Lymeus,
| | - Mathew P. White
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Per Lindberg
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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