1
|
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] [MESH Headings] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lygum VL, Dupret K, Bentsen P, Djernis D, Grangaard S, Ladegaard Y, Troije CP. Greenspace as Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Essentialities in the Physical Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6689. [PMID: 37681829 PMCID: PMC10488277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176689] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a scarcity of knowledge regarding the potential benefits of human-nature contact within the context of working life. Even more limited is the research that focuses on working outdoors and the setting in which it takes place. This study aimed to obtain insight into key aspects of the physical environment relevant for the experienced benefits and challenges of workers exploring office work outdoors. We conducted interviews with key informants as well as photo registration and mapping of the different green spaces in the environments of six small or medium-sized workplaces. The information gathered was used as background knowledge for exploratory qualitative interviews, which were conducted while walking in natural settings chosen by the interviewees. With a landscape architectural perspective and an inductive approach, we explored employees' experiences of bringing office work outdoors. The following themes emerged: 'Simplicity,' 'Safeness', 'Comfort', and 'Contact with Nature' were experienced as key aspects in relation to the physical environment, whereas 'Sociality', 'Well-being', and 'Functioning' stood out as the main benefits and, 'Digital dependency' and 'Illegitimacy' as challenges to overcome. Based on the identification of potential benefits and their prerequisites, we propose implications for practice and research that can be useful when focusing on bringing office work outdoors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Linn Lygum
- Department of the Built Environment, The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katia Dupret
- Research Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Peter Bentsen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Sidse Grangaard
- Department of the Built Environment, The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yun Ladegaard
- The Foundation for Mental Health, 2500 Valby, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, 1168 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Petersson Troije
- Department of Urban Studies, The Faculty of Culture and Society, Malmö University, 20506 Malmö, Sweden
- Division of Sociology, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Västerås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gebhard U. [Nature experience and mental health in children-theoretical approaches and selected empirical findings]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03729-w. [PMID: 37280441 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The widely documented beneficial effects of children's experiences with nature make it plausible to assume that an environment close to nature also has a positive effect on health in childhood, that is, that it can also contribute to health maintenance and prevention. The findings on health-promoting effects of nature are remarkable and are accentuated and theoretically substantiated here with a focus on mental health.The basis is a so-called three-dimensional personality model, according to which mental development is not only a function of the subject's relationship to other people, but also to the world of things, including nature. In addition, three explanatory approaches for the health effects of nature experiences are outlined: (1) the anthropologically based "Stress Recovery Theory," (2) the "Attention Restoration Theory," and (3) the assumption that nature as a symbolic storehouse for self- and world interpretations can accompany the meaning constitution of the subjects ("Therapeutic Landscapes").The health effects of accessible open spaces close to nature are discussed, whereby the state of research for adults is much richer than for children. With regard to mental health or its influencing variables, the following dimensions are elaborated with empirical results: stress reduction, antidepressant and mood enhancing effects, prosocial behavior, attention and ADHD, cognitive development, self-esteem and self-regulation, nature experience, and exercise. From a salutogenetic perspective, nature does not have a deterministic effect on health, but rather, in a sense, an incidental effect when open spaces close to nature are accessible and used. This casualness of the effect of nature experiences has to be considered in possible therapeutic or educational interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Gebhard
- Fakultät für Erziehungswissenschaft, AG 4, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Curcuruto M, Williams S, Brondino M, Bazzoli A. Investigating the Impact of Occupational Technostress and Psychological Restorativeness of Natural Spaces on Work Engagement and Work-Life Balance Satisfaction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2249. [PMID: 36767614 PMCID: PMC9916046 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032249] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated lockdowns and mandatory working from home, as well as restrictions on travel and recreation. As a result, many people have had to use their home as an office and have increased their use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) for work purposes. Nature and accessing natural spaces are known to be beneficial for human health and wellbeing, as a result of their restorative properties. Access to local outdoor spaces was permitted under restrictions, and use of such spaces increased during lockdown. This survey study investigated whether the perceived restorativeness of natural spaces and exposure to technostress predicted the levels of work engagement and work-life balance satisfaction (WLBS) during the period of COVID-19 restrictions adopted in 2020. Analyses conducted on a sample of 109 people employed in the UK revealed that technostress negatively impacted WLBS, whilst perceived psychological restorativeness positively predicted work engagement. The study highlights the benefits of having access to natural spaces to improve employees' work engagement and potentially negate the negative effects of technostress, particularly during a period of intensive working from home. The results contribute to the understanding of the linkages between restorativeness and work engagement, paving the way for synergies across these research fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Curcuruto
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK
| | - Sian Williams
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK
| | | | - Andrea Bazzoli
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Antonelli M, Donelli D, Carlone L, Maggini V, Firenzuoli F, Bedeschi E. Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on individual well-being: an umbrella review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1842-1867. [PMID: 33910423 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1919293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to outline the most relevant benefits of forest bathing for well-being promotion. This study was designed as an umbrella literature review. Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the DOAJ were systematically searched for relevant reviews up to February 2021. After article selection, 16 systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. Overall, the best available evidence supports the use of forest bathing as a complementary practice for the promotion of psychophysical well-being, whereas evidence for its use as a therapeutic practice for the improvement of organic diseases needs to grow before clear and specific clinical indications can be formulated. The positive impact of forest bathing on individual quality of life, along with its favorable cost-effectiveness profile, may justify its possible adoption for public health strategies of well-being promotion. Further investigations on the topic are advised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Donelli
- Local Public Health Authority, AUSL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Carlone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma , Parma, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ibrahim YA, Saravanamuttoo T, Johnson SA. Viewing Digital Nature Scenes Not Sufficient to Enhance Verbal Creativity in Children. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2021.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen A. Ibrahim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Shannon A. Johnson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Simulating the Benefits of Nature Exposure on Cognitive Performance in Virtual Reality: A Window into Possibilities for Education and Cognitive Health. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060725. [PMID: 35741610 PMCID: PMC9221526 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This one-group pretest−posttest, designed within a subject study, looks to compare the effects of an outdoor nature walk (ONW) to those of a virtual nature walk (VRW) on memory and cognitive function. Implications are discussed for education as well as for the world of virtual reality. Methods: Sixty-four healthy university students were asked to complete an ONW and a VRW, which was created using 3D video of the same nature trail used for the ONW. The VRW condition involved a five-minute walk on a treadmill, while wearing a virtual reality mask (Oculus, San Francisco, USA) that projected a previously recorded three-dimensional capture of the same nature walk they experienced outdoors. Both experimental conditions lasted approximately 5 min and were counterbalanced between participants. A Digit Span Test (Digit) for working memory and a Trail Test (TMT) for executive function were administered to all study participants, immediately before and after each type of walk. Results: For executive function testing (Trail Making Test), our results demonstrate that both the ONW and VRW condition improved the TMT time, when compared to a baseline (ONW 37.06 ± 1.31 s vs. 31.75 ± 1.07 s, p < 0.01 and VRW 36.19 ± 1.18 s vs. 30.69 ± 1.11 s, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the ONW and VRW groups. Similarly, for the Digit memory task, both conditions improved compared to the baseline (ONW 54.30 ± 3.01 vs. 68.4 ± 2.66, p < 0.01 and VRW 58.1 ± 3.10 vs. 67.4 ± 2.72, p < 0.01). There was a difference at the baseline between the ONW and VRW conditions (54.3 ± 3.01 vs. 58.1 ± 3.10, p < 0.01), but this baseline difference in memory performance was no longer significant post exercise, between groups at follow-up (68.4 ± 2.66 vs. 67.4 ± 2.72, p < 0.08). Conclusions: Our results suggest that both a virtual reality protocol and a nature walk can have positive outcomes on memory and executive function in younger adults.
Collapse
|
14
|
Residential Greenspace Is Associated with Lower Levels of Depressive and Burnout Symptoms, and Higher Levels of Life Satisfaction: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095668. [PMID: 35565069 PMCID: PMC9100967 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Population-based studies of individual-level residential greenspace and mental health outcomes are still limited. Thus, the present study investigates greenspace–mental health associations—including depressive symptoms, burnout symptoms, and life satisfaction—in a population-based sample of adults, the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health, in 2016 (n = 14,641). High-resolution land cover of greenspace and green–blue-space was assessed at 50, 100, 300 and 500 m buffers around residential addresses. Higher residential greenspace and green–blue-space were associated with lower levels of depressive and burnout symptoms among non-working individuals and with higher life satisfaction in the whole study population, after controlling for age, sex, individual income, and neighborhood socioeconomics. The immediate residential-surrounding environment (50 m) consistently showed the strongest associations with the outcomes. Having a partner was associated with better mental health outcomes and with having more residential greenspace, and adjusting for this rendered greenspace–health associations mostly statistically non-significant. In conclusion, higher levels of greenspace and green–blue-space in the immediate residential-surrounding environment were associated with better mental health outcomes in the present study, which contributes additional nuances to prior studies. The importance of residential greenspace for public health, urban planning, and development is discussed.
Collapse
|
15
|
Meredith WJ, Cardenas-Iniguez C, Berman MG, Rosenberg MD. Effects of the physical and social environment on youth cognitive performance. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22258. [PMID: 35452534 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Individual differences in children's cognitive abilities impact life and health outcomes. What factors influence these individual differences during development? Here, we test whether children's environments predict cognitive performance, independent of well-characterized socioeconomic effects. We analyzed data from 9002 9- to 10-year olds from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, an ongoing longitudinal study with community samples across the United States. Using youth- and caregiver-report questionnaires and national database registries (e.g., neighborhood crime, walkability), we defined principal components summarizing children's home, school, neighborhood, and cultural environments. In two independent samples (ns = 3475, 5527), environmental components explained unique variance in children's general cognitive ability, executive functioning, and learning/memory abilities. Furthermore, increased neighborhood enrichment was associated with an attenuated relationship between sociodemographics and general cognitive abilities. Thus, the environment accounts for unique variance in cognitive performance in children and should be considered alongside sociodemographic factors to better understand brain functioning and behavior across development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesley J Meredith
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Marc G Berman
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Monica D Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chang CC, Cox DTC, Fan Q, Nghiem TPL, Tan CLY, Oh RRY, Lin BB, Shanahan DF, Fuller RA, Gaston KJ, Carrasco LR. People's desire to be in nature and how they experience it are partially heritable. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001500. [PMID: 35113853 PMCID: PMC8812842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001500] [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: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature experiences have been linked to mental and physical health. Despite the importance of understanding what determines individual variation in nature experience, the role of genes has been overlooked. Here, using a twin design (TwinsUK, number of individuals = 2,306), we investigate the genetic and environmental contributions to a person's nature orientation, opportunity (living in less urbanized areas), and different dimensions of nature experience (frequency and duration of public nature space visits and frequency and duration of garden visits). We estimate moderate heritability of nature orientation (46%) and nature experiences (48% for frequency of public nature space visits, 34% for frequency of garden visits, and 38% for duration of garden visits) and show their genetic components partially overlap. We also find that the environmental influences on nature experiences are moderated by the level of urbanization of the home district. Our study demonstrates genetic contributions to individuals' nature experiences, opening a new dimension for the study of human-nature interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel T C Cox
- Environment & Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Qiao Fan
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Claudia L Y Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Rui Ying Oh
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brenda B Lin
- CSIRO Land & Water Flagship, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
| | - Danielle F Shanahan
- Centre for People and Nature, Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Wellington, New Zealand.,Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard A Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment & Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - L Roman Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094790. [PMID: 33946197 PMCID: PMC8125471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia P. Jimenez
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.P.J.); (N.V.D.)
| | - Nicole V. DeVille
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.J.); (N.V.D.)
| | - Elise G. Elliott
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Jessica E. Schiff
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Grete E. Wilt
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lõhmus M, Stenfors CUD, Lind T, Lauber A, Georgelis A. Mental Health, Greenness, and Nature Related Behaviors in the Adult Population of Stockholm County during COVID-19-Related Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063303. [PMID: 33806787 PMCID: PMC8004976 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
International data suggest that exposure to nature is beneficial for mental health and well-being. The restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a setting that allows us to investigate the importance of greenness exposure on mental health during a period of increased isolation and worry. Based on 2060 responses from an online survey in Stockholm County, Sweden, we investigated: (1) whether the COVID-19 pandemic changed peoples’ lifestyle and nature-related habits, and (2) if peoples’ mental health differed depending on their exposure to greenness. Neighborhood greenness levels were quantified by using the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within 50 m, 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m buffers surrounding the participant’s place of residence. We found that the number of individuals that reported that they visited natural areas “often” was significantly higher during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Higher levels of greenness surrounding one’s location of residence were in general associated with higher mental health/well-being and vitality scores, and less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived and cognitive stress, after adjustments for demographic variables and walkability. In conclusion, the results from the present study provided support to the suggestion that contact with nature may be important for mental health in extreme circumstances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mare Lõhmus
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Cecilia U. D. Stenfors
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Lind
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
| | - André Lauber
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Georgelis
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden; (T.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Visual features influence thought content in the absence of overt semantic information. Atten Percept Psychophys 2020; 82:3945-3956. [PMID: 32918270 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-020-02121-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
It has recently been shown that the perception of visual features of the environment can influence thought content. Both low-level (e.g., fractalness) and high-level (e.g., presence of water) visual features of the environment can influence thought content in real-world and experimental settings where these features can make people more reflective and contemplative in their thoughts. It remains to be seen, however, if these visual features retain their influence on thoughts in the absence of overt semantic content, which could indicate a more fundamental mechanism for this effect. In this study, we removed this limitation by creating scrambled edge versions of images, which maintain edge content from the original images but remove scene identification. Nonstraight edge density is one visual feature that has been shown to influence many judgements about objects and landscapes and has also been associated with thoughts of spirituality. We extend previous findings by showing that nonstraight edges retain their influence on the selection of a Spiritual & Life Journey topic after scene-identification removal. These results strengthen the implication of a causal role for the perception of low-level visual features on the influence of higher order cognitive function, by demonstrating that in the absence of overt semantic content, low-level features, such as edges, influence cognitive processes.
Collapse
|
20
|
Gandy S, Forstmann M, Carhart-Harris RL, Timmermann C, Luke D, Watts R. The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health. Health Psychol Open 2020; 7:2055102920978123. [PMID: 33335742 PMCID: PMC7724423 DOI: 10.1177/2055102920978123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic psychedelic administration and contact with nature have been
associated with the same psychological mechanisms: decreased
rumination and negative affect, enhanced psychological connectedness
and mindfulness-related capacities, and heightened states of awe and
transcendent experiences, all processes linked to improvements in
mental health amongst clinical and healthy populations. Nature-based
settings can have inherently psychologically soothing properties which
may complement all stages of psychedelic therapy (mainly preparation
and integration) whilst potentiating increases in nature relatedness,
with associated psychological benefits. Maximising enhancement of
nature relatedness through therapeutic psychedelic administration may
constitute an independent and complementary pathway towards
improvements in mental health that can be elicited by
psychedelics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Gandy
- Centre for Psychedelic Research,
Imperial College London, UK
- Synthesis Institute, The
Netherlands
- Sam Gandy, Synthesis Institute B.V.,
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 12, 1017 RC Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - David Luke
- Centre for Psychedelic Research,
Imperial College London, UK
- University of Greenwich, UK
| | - Rosalind Watts
- Centre for Psychedelic Research,
Imperial College London, UK
- Synthesis Institute, The
Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Meidenbauer KL, Stenfors CUD, Bratman GN, Gross JJ, Schertz KE, Choe KW, Berman MG. The affective benefits of nature exposure: What's nature got to do with it? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 72:101498. [PMID: 32982008 PMCID: PMC7500282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nature interactions have been demonstrated to produce reliable affective benefits. While adults demonstrate strong preferences for natural environments over urban ones, it is not clear whether these affective benefits result from exposure to nature stimuli per se, or result from viewing a highly preferred stimulus. In one set of studies (Study 1 and 2), state affect before and after image viewing was examined as a function of both preference level (high, low, very high, or very low aesthetic value) and environment type (nature or urban). When aesthetic value was matched, no differences in affect change were found between environments. However, affect change was predicted by individual participants' ratings for the images. The largest affective benefits occurred after viewing very high aesthetic nature images, but Study 2 lacked an equivalently preferred urban image set. In a second set of studies (Study 3 and 4), new sets of very highly preferred images in categories other than nature scenes (urban scenes and animals) were employed. As before, individual differences in preference for the images (but not image category) was predictive of changes in affect. In Study 5, the nature and urban images from Study 1 were rated on beauty to assess whether the stimuli's preference ratings were capturing anything other than simple aesthetics. Results showed that beauty/aesthetics and preference ('liking') were nearly identical. Lastly, a replication of Study 2 (Study 6) was conducted to test whether priming preference accounted for these benefits, but this was not the case. Together, these results suggest that nature improves affective state because it is such a highly preferred environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L Meidenbauer
- The Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cecilia U D Stenfors
- The Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science & Society, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn E Schertz
- The Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kyoung Whan Choe
- The Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marc G Berman
- The Environmental Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Touloumakos AK, Barrable A. Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Protective and Therapeutic Potential of Nature. Front Psychol 2020; 11:597935. [PMID: 33324297 PMCID: PMC7726132 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.597935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent in many western populations. Large studies have put the likelihood of having at least one ACE above 50% of the general population. ACEs and the associated experience of chronic stress, moreover, have been consistently linked with a variety of negative physical and psychological health outcomes across the lifespan from behavioral problems and cognitive difficulties early on, to greater chance of suffering from a mental health disorder and engaging in self destructing behaviors. The literature puts forward several protective factors, such as mother-child relations, parental health, and community engagement. In this perspective paper we put forward the potential of regular nature engagement as a possible additional protective factor. Nature's therapeutic potential has been well documented, for many psychopathologies and mental health difficulties. Yet studies looking at the protective and therapeutic potential of nature with people with ACEs are remarkably limited in numbers. In this perspective piece we conduct a search of the literature to find previous applications of nature as a protective or therapeutic intervention for people with ACEs. We highlight the gap in the current literature, and put forward various mechanisms of action that justify a closer exploration of this area in further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Touloumakos
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University, Athens, Greece
- Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance, Department of Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Education Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Alexia Barrable
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Neighbourhood Environment and Cognitive Vulnerability—A Survey Investigation of Variations Across the Lifespan and Urbanity Levels. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12197951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Understanding the impact of local communities on wellbeing is a paramount Sustainable Development Goal. In order to inform people-centred planning interventions, it is important to understand what demographic groups need supportive communities the most and where. This study explored associations between perceived neighbourhood characteristics and cognitive vulnerability, and the moderating role of age and urbanity of the place of residence. Methods: A convenience sample of 224 Irish adults completed a survey assessing cognitive vulnerability and perceptions of neighbourhood qualities, together with sociodemographic and residential information. Correlational analyses explored bivariate associations as well as moderating effects. A subsample (n = 142) provided qualitative accounts of their preferences of neighbourhood characteristics. Results: Regression analyses showed that controlling for sociodemographic factors, higher self-reported neighbourhood pleasantness was associated with lower cognitive vulnerability, particularly in older adults who lived in the most rural and urban areas (p = 0.006). Qualitative accounts suggested urban–rural variations in perceived accessibility and perceptual stressors, and age-related variations in social preferences. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a complex association between neighbourhood characteristics and cognitive wellbeing, highlighting the potential benefits of neighbourhood pleasantness for cognition particularly for older people in very rural or very urbanised places. Implications for research and environmental interventions are discussed.
Collapse
|
24
|
Saadi D, Schnell I, Tirosh E, Basagaña X, Agay-Shay K. There's no place like home? The psychological, physiological, and cognitive effects of short visits to outdoor urban environments compared to staying in the indoor home environment, a field experiment on women from two ethnic groups. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 187:109687. [PMID: 32480028 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The home environment is regarded as a safe, comfortable environment, however, home can also be a stressful place. Compared to staying in the indoor home environment, the effects of short visits to outdoor urban environments on short-term psychological, physiological and cognitive responses were not studied previously. AIM To evaluate whether visits to different urban and ethnic environments, in comparison to staying in the home indoor environment, leads to short-term changes in psychological, physiological and cognitive responses and whether these responses are independent of ethnicity. METHODS The participants, 20-35 year-old healthy women (N = 72, 48 Arab and 24 Jewish), started the experiment at their home and visited six different outdoor urban environments in predominantly ethnic Arab or Jewish cities, in Israel. First they visited intra-ethnic city and afterward inter-ethnic city environments. In each city they first visited an urban park and afterward, in a random order, a residential neighborhood and the city center. In each environment (including home) the following measures were used to evaluate psychological, physiological and cognitive effects: mood (measured as positive and negative emotions, cheerfulness, relaxed, natural and discomfort feelings), autonomic nervous system balance (assessed using heart rate variability (HRV)) and working memory (measured by a backwards digit-span task). Several potential mediators were measured: carbon monoxide (CO), heat, noise, social aspects, and the self-perceived restoration scale. RESULTS Compared to staying in the indoor home environment, short visits to outdoor urban environments, specifically intra and inter-ethnic parks, were associated with beneficial psychological, physiological, and cognitive responses, and the strongest effects were found for the intra-ethnic park. The results for the other urban environments were different between Jewish and Arab women. The self-perceived restoration, social aspects and reduced CO, heat and noise exposures during the visits did not explain the observed changes between the outdoor environments and home. CONCLUSIONS Visits to urban parks compared to staying in the home environment had beneficial short-term changes in psychological, physiological, and cognitive responses, regardless of ethnicity. The changes could not be attributed to the investigated mediators. Women should be encouraged to go outdoors and specifically visit parks to improve their psychological and physiological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Saadi
- Porter School of the Environmental and Earth Sciences, the Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Izhak Schnell
- Department of Geography and Human Environment, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Emanuel Tirosh
- Bnei Zion Medical Center, (Emeritus) the Rappaport Family Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Israel.
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Department of Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed,Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Federico F. Natural Environment and Social Relationship in the Development of Attentional Network. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1345. [PMID: 32670162 PMCID: PMC7332839 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The attention mechanism is related to both voluntary and automatic processes, that may be summarized in three distinct networks: alert, orientation, and inhibitory control. These networks can be modulated by different contextual and relational situations. Aim of this review is to explain how a combination of natural and social stimuli can positively affect the attentional processes. It has been proposed that the exposition to natural environment can positively affect direct attention, a common resource supporting both executive functioning and self-regulation processes in cognition. It has been suggested that the decrease of the effort required to voluntary control attention from the bottom upwards could determine some internal reflection that may support creative thinking secondarily to a simultaneous reduction in the effort required to orient attention between thoughts and impressions. In my view, not only exposition to natural and green environment improves attentional processes but also the involvement in social relationship. The development of the orientation and inhibitory control networks is sensitive to the social nature of the stimuli, for instance, in a task, including socially relevant stimuli the efficiency of these two attentional networks increases in children, in adults and in elderly subjects. Social attention, starting very early in the life (joint attention) is a very important mechanism for the regulation of social relationships. A key for a better development of cognitive functions such as attentional processes is the promotion of the immersion in the natural environment and the involvement in social relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Federico
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schertz KE, Berman MG. Understanding Nature and Its Cognitive Benefits. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0963721419854100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many people have the intuition that interacting with natural environments benefits their psychological health. But what has research actually demonstrated about the benefits of nature experience and the potential mechanisms underlying those benefits? This article describes empirical research on the cognitive benefits of interacting with natural environments and several theories that have been proposed to explain these effects. We also propose future directions that may be useful in exploring the extent of nature’s effects on cognitive performance and some potential mediating factors. Specifically, exposure to a variety of natural stimuli (vs. urban stimuli) consistently improves working memory performance. One potential mechanism for this is the perception of low-level features of natural environments, such as edge density in the visual domain. Although low-level features have been shown to carry semantic information and influence behavior, additional studies are needed to indicate whether perceiving these features in isolation is necessary or sufficient for obtaining the cognitive benefits of interacting with nature.
Collapse
|