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Maffei L, Ciervo A, Marzocchi R, Masullo M. Exploring the restorative benefits of work in smart working structures on vacations in small villages. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1232318. [PMID: 38173859 PMCID: PMC10763249 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Processes of redefinition of work, already in place in the pre-pandemic era, with the advent of COVID-19, have become widely required. A "model of work" that uses new technologies and the development of existing ones to improve workers' performance and satisfaction has emerged. Smart working has changed how people work and, as a result, spaces must also change to support them. The use of prefabricated movable buildings (PMB) could represent an opportunity to create smart (and co-) working spaces in a regenerative contest. Small villages with historical, architectural, and naturalistic elements and slow-life features are potential platforms where vacation and work could merge easily. This paper aims to establish if working in movable offices, like the PMBs, which provide a high level of visual and acoustics interaction with the surroundings, and which is positioned in small villages' squares, can affect workers' sense of restoration and working performance. Methods In a laboratory setting, in the SENS i-Lab, a videowall and a 3D spatial audio system were used to compare, in terms of restorativeness and self-reported cognitive performance, the effects of a high-rise building context of a City Business District (CBD), i.e. the control scenario, and of two typical squares of small Italian villages with historic buildings, without (HIS) and with water elements (HIS-W). Results The findings of the experimental sessions showed that when working in close contact (visual and auditory) with historical or water elements, where life flows slowly, workers perceived a higher sense of restoration while job performance was unchanged. Discussion Implementing smart working policies in small villages that encourage the use of energy-efficient prefabricated movable buildings and that offer a high level of visual and acoustic interaction with the surrounding environment may represent a promising strategy to foster the development of the local economy and contrast the depopulation of small villages, improving the worker well-being and the reducing the impact of their activities of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Maffei
- SENS i-Lab, Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Aversa, Italy
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Biassoni F, Gandola M, Gnerre M. Grounding the Restorative Effect of the Environment in Tertiary Qualities: An Integration of Embodied and Phenomenological Perspectives. J Intell 2023; 11:208. [PMID: 37998707 PMCID: PMC10672635 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11110208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes an integration of embodied and phenomenological perspectives to understand the restorative capacity of natural environments. It emphasizes the role of embodied simulation mechanisms in evoking positive affects and cognitive functioning. Perceptual symbols play a crucial role in generating the restorative potential in environments, highlighting the significance of the encounter between the embodied individual and the environment. This study reviews Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART), finding commonalities in perceptual fluency and connectedness to nature. It also explores a potential model based on physiognomic perception, where the environment's pervasive qualities elicit an affective response. Restorativeness arises from a direct encounter between the environment's phenomenal structure and the embodied perceptual processes of individuals. Overall, this integrative approach sheds light on the intrinsic affective value of environmental elements and their influence on human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Biassoni
- Traffic Psychology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milano, Italy (M.G.)
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Gandola
- Traffic Psychology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milano, Italy (M.G.)
| | - Martina Gnerre
- Traffic Psychology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milano, Italy (M.G.)
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3
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Fornara F, Rinallo E, Scopelliti M. Contact with Nature in Social Deprivation during COVID-19: The Positive Impact on Anxiety. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6361. [PMID: 37510593 PMCID: PMC10379001 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had a devastating impact on millions of people worldwide. Following the constantly changing course of the pandemic, the Italian government massively restricted public and private life to prevent the further spread of the virus. Unfortunately, lockdown policies negatively impacted many people's mental and physical health. Numerous studies recognized an essential role of urban green areas in promoting human well-being. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of personal dispositions towards nature, measured using the connectedness to nature scale (CNS) and actual contact with green spaces (CwN) on human well-being (i.e., anxiety) and medicine intake during COVID-19 lockdowns. A total of 637 Italian residents answered a survey aimed at gathering information about the above variables. A series of path analyses were performed. The results showed that the CNS was positively associated with the CwN, and the latter, in turn, was negatively associated with anxiety. Finally, anxiety was positively related to medicine intake. In sum, these results identify the positive role of person-nature relationships for individual well-being during COVID-19 restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Fornara
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Rinallo
- Department of Human Studies, Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta (LUMSA University), 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scopelliti
- Department of Human Studies, Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta (LUMSA University), 00193 Rome, Italy
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Lau SSS, Leung SSK, Wong JWC, Lee TCP, Cartwright SR, Wong JTC, Man J, Cheung E, Choi RPW. Brief repeated virtual nature contact for three weeks boosts university students' nature connectedness and psychological and physiological health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1057020. [PMID: 36711407 PMCID: PMC9878182 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1057020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated uncertainties and restrictions have adverse impacts on university students' mental wellbeing. Evidence shows that virtual nature contact has mental health benefits. However, little is known about the potential beneficial health impacts of virtual nature contact during times of social distancing, when access to the natural environment is restricted. This pilot study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a 3-week virtual nature contact in improving nature connectedness and reducing psychophysiological stress. A sample of 56 university students in Hong Kong was randomly assigned to control and nature interventions using 2-D video played for 15 min three times a week for 3 weeks. Nature connectedness, perceived restorativeness and psycho-physiological wellbeing were measured. Our findings show significant changes in psychological stress levels after nature interventions compared with the baseline, including increased happiness and stronger emotions of comfort and relaxation. When compared with the control group, the results show the nature intervention group has significantly higher levels of nature connectedness, happiness, and positive affect, but no significant effects on other psychological and physiological variables (e.g., cardiovascular responses). Our preliminary findings highlight the potential use of virtual nature contacts in bolstering university students' wellbeing at times of pandemic or when in-person visit to the natural environment is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam S. S. Lau
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute of Bioresources and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Sam S. S. Lau ✉
| | - Sharron S. K. Leung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Division of Nursing Education, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jonathan W. C. Wong
- Institute of Bioresources and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence C. P. Lee
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen R. Cartwright
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janet T. C. Wong
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jackie Man
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ethan Cheung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Regene P. W. Choi
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Imperatori C, Massullo C, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Theodorou A, Scopelliti M, Romano L, Del Gatto C, Allegrini G, Carrus G, Panno A. Exposure to nature is associated with decreased functional connectivity within the distress network: A resting state EEG study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1171215. [PMID: 37151328 PMCID: PMC10158085 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1171215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the well-established evidence supporting the restorative potential of nature exposure, the neurophysiological underpinnings of the restorative cognitive/emotional effect of nature are not yet fully understood. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between exposure to nature and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the distress network. Methods Fifty-three individuals (11 men and 42 women; mean age 21.38 ± 1.54 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: (i) a green group and (ii) a gray group. A slideshow consisting of images depicting natural and urban scenarios were, respectively, presented to the green and the gray group. Before and after the slideshow, 5 min resting state (RS) EEG recordings were performed. The exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software was used to execute all EEG analyses. Results Compared to the gray group, the green group showed a significant increase in positive emotions (F 1; 50 = 9.50 p = 0.003) and in the subjective experience of being full of energy and alive (F 1; 50 = 4.72 p = 0.035). Furthermore, as compared to urban pictures, the exposure to natural images was associated with a decrease of delta functional connectivity in the distress network, specifically between the left insula and left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (T = -3.70, p = 0.023). Discussion Our results would seem to be in accordance with previous neurophysiological studies suggesting that experiencing natural environments is associated with brain functional dynamics linked to emotional restorative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Alessio Carbone,
| | - Annalisa Theodorou
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Romano
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Del Gatto
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Allegrini
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Angelo Panno,
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Wu Y, Zhuo Z, Liu Q, Yu K, Huang Q, Liu J. The Relationships between Perceived Design Intensity, Preference, Restorativeness and Eye Movements in Designed Urban Green Space. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10944. [PMID: 34682688 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that landscape design intensity impacts individuals’ landscape preferences, which may influence their eye movement. Due to the close relationship between restorativeness and landscape preference, we further explore the relationships between design intensity, preference, restorativeness and eye movements. Specifically, using manipulated images as stimuli for 200 students as participants, the effect of urban green space (UGS) design intensity on landscapes’ preference, restorativeness, and eye movement was examined. The results demonstrate that landscape design intensity could contribute to preference and restorativeness and that there is a significant positive relationship between design intensity and eye-tracking metrics, including dwell time percent, fixation percent, fixation count, and visited ranking. Additionally, preference was positively related to restorativeness, dwell time percent, fixation percent, and fixation count, and there is a significant positive relationship between restorativeness and fixation percent. We obtained the most feasible regression equations between design intensity and preference, restorativeness, and eye movement. These results provide a set of guidelines for improving UGS design to achieve its greatest restorative potential and shed new light on the use of eye-tracking technology in landscape perception studies.
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Karacan B, Kombeiz O, Steidle A. Powered by virtual realities: promoting emotional recovery through technology-based recovery interventions. Ergonomics 2021; 64:1351-1366. [PMID: 33836632 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1912399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous research indicates that short work breaks in nature can facilitate emotional recovery, but during a workday nature is not always accessible. We conducted two intervention studies (N = 51; N = 101) applying virtual reality technology in a short work break and examined the effect of the degree of immersion into nature and the type of nature (stimulating vs. calming) on the restorative experience and, in turn, on affective states. The results revealed that high immersion promotes being away and perceived fascination. Being away mediated the effect of high immersion on increased positive and decreased negative affect. Perceived fascination mediated the effect of stimulating nature on increased positive affect in both studies and decreased negative affect in Study 2. The present research highlights the unique benefits of virtual realities, degrees of immersion and different types of nature for recovery interventions in organisations.Practitioner Summary: Integrating virtual realities into the work environment is an emerging topic. The present research demonstrates that a short technology-based intervention via virtual reality enhances emotional recovery. The results provide interesting possibilities for the design of work breaks in situations where nature is not within reach or not accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brid Karacan
- Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Freising, Germany
| | - Olga Kombeiz
- School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Anna Steidle
- Ludwigsburg University of Applied Sciences, Ludwigsburg, Germany
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Yusli NANM, Roslan S, Zaremohzzabieh Z, Ghiami Z, Ahmad N. Role of Restorativeness in Improving the Psychological Well-Being of University Students. Front Psychol 2021; 12:646329. [PMID: 34489779 PMCID: PMC8417743 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many university students experience high levels of study-related fatigue, hence, necessitating opportunities for restoration. They could potentially benefit from campus-based physical activities that provide them with effective restoration breaks and allow them to return to their studies cognitively refreshed. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between perceived restorativeness among postgraduates and their psychological well-being by using the four constructs of Kaplan's attention restoration theory (ART): fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility. In this study, nature view windows were also used as a moderator. Malaysian postgraduate students [n = 192; 94 females; age in years (M = 30.64, SD = 2.73)] completed the Ryff's scale of psychological wellbeing (PWB) and perceived restorativeness scale for activity (PRAS). This study used the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to examine these relationships. The results demonstrate that three ART constructs, namely, being away, fascination, and compatibility, are significant predictors of psychological well-being across the sample size. Furthermore, for participants who reside in university dormitories, windows that overlook nature can enhance the relationship of being away, compatibility, and fascination to psychological well-being, compared with those with less natural views. Thus, this study confirmed the moderating effect of nature view windows and provided insight into the ART constructs that facilitate and enhance restorative experiences. By strengthening ART with additional factors, this study has also contributed toward the improvement of the psychological well-being of university students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zeinab Ghiami
- Institut für Biochemie, Deutschen Sporthochschule Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Noorlila Ahmad
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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9
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Ríos-Rodríguez ML, Rosales C, Lorenzo M, Muinos G, Hernández B. Influence of Perceived Environmental Quality on the Perceived Restorativeness of Public Spaces. Front Psychol 2021; 12:644763. [PMID: 33935900 PMCID: PMC8085351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parks and town squares can play an important role by offering spaces for cognitive restorativeness in urban contexts. Therefore, it is important that these spaces be designed in a way that encourages restorativeness. Indeed, their perceived quality should motivate users to stay and take advantage of them. Yet, it is not clear whether perceptions as to the quality of these spaces is relevant in promoting restorativeness. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze whether elements of environmental quality perceived by users of public spaces favor restorativeness both in parks and squares. Environmental and social aspects are taken into consideration, since restorative experiences involve cognitive and physiological recovery, as well as a component of interaction with the environment. In this research, 519 users of 32 urban public spaces—town squares and parks—on the island of Tenerife (Spain) participated. Participants evaluated these spaces using four dimensions that focused on spaces’ perceived environmental quality: design of spaces, care of spaces, social interaction, and presence of sensorial elements. Additionally, we evaluated the perceived restorativeness of each space. The results showed that the design of spaces, care of the spaces, social interaction, and presence of sensorial elements explain the variance in perceived restorativeness, although with different weights for parks and squares. We found that perceived quality of a space is a key predictor of its restorativeness. This means that maintaining parks and town squares is a relevant task given that they contribute to reducing cognitive overload, increasing sustainability, and facilitating health care in urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Ríos-Rodríguez
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and E.A.O., Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Christian Rosales
- Department of Cognitive, Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Maryurena Lorenzo
- Department of Cognitive, Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.,Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Muinos
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bernardo Hernández
- Department of Cognitive, Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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Annechini C, Menardo E, Hall R, Pasini M. Aesthetic Attributes of Museum Environmental Experience: A Pilot Study With Children as Visitors. Front Psychol 2020; 11:508300. [PMID: 33192758 PMCID: PMC7604523 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.508300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The research project is a small pilot study of the restorative aspects of museum experience on children; these include the sense of fascination during the visit. Museum environmental awareness was a latecomer to Museum and Visitor studies but is now highly valued. No longer just the “objects” contained in the museum fascinate but also the environment itself becomes an object of fascination. Some authors provide a clear categorization of feelings experienced by the visitor during a museum experience and suggest a framework with four categories of satisfying experience: objective, cognitive, introspective, and social. In designing our study, we began with the definition of museum experience and added a fifth category of “environmental experience.” With this term, we refer to the extent to which the physical environment in and around a museum affects visitors. Indeed, our aim is to analyze the visitor’s stream of feelings and opinions during a museum visit (specifically, the MART—Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto) to find a proper definition of the aesthetic elements characterizing the “environmental preference.” To do this, we referenced classical and experimental paradigms of Environmental Psychology applied to a museum context and building aesthetic researches, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The case study involved 41 children, 20 male and 21 female, from two primary school classes in Rovereto (Italy); the average age was 8.3 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Menardo
- Department of Human Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rob Hall
- Environmetrics Pty. Ltd., Killara, NSW, Australia
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Panno A, Theodorou A, Carrus G, Imperatori C, Spano G, Sanesi G. Nature Reappraisers, Benefits for the Environment: A Model Linking Cognitive Reappraisal, the "Being Away" Dimension of Restorativeness and Eco-Friendly Behavior. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1986. [PMID: 32849158 PMCID: PMC7424049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, an increasingly prominent role has been given to the motivational factors that can promote pro-environmental behavior. In this contribution, we focus on the role of the individual’s ability to shape the emotions originating from nature in engaging in pro-environmental behavior. In particular, we expect that an emotion regulation strategy as cognitive reappraisal should positively predict pro-environmental behavior, through enhanced perceived restorativeness attributed to the natural environment in terms of the experience of “being away.” One-hundred and fifteen visitors to an urban park (Parco Nord Milano) filled out a questionnaire including measures of cognitive reappraisal, the experience of “being away,” and pro-environmental behavior while in the park. Results confirmed that cognitive reappraisal was positively and significantly related to pro-environmental behavior. Importantly, the indirect effect of cognitive reappraisal on pro-environmental behavior through the experience of “being away” was significant. Findings suggest the importance of implementing interventions aimed at promoting the habitual use of cognitive reappraisal to enhance the experience of “being away” and, thus, sustain pro-environmental behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Theodorou
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Spano
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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12
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Cervinka R, Schwab M, Haluza D. Investigating the Qualities of a Recreational Forest: Findings from the Cross-Sectional Hallerwald Case Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E1676. [PMID: 32143466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Prior research shows that forests contribute to human health and well-being. In this sense, this cross-sectional case study, adopting the principles of citizen science, assessed the restorative potential of places in the Hallerwald, an Austrian community forest. A convenience sample of adult forest visitors (n = 99, 64% females) completed a survey during a guided 2.5 h forest tour. The German questionnaire assessed the qualities of defined places in the forest. We also investigated changes in mood states, perceived stress, restoration, connectedness, and mindfulness before and after visiting the forest. In cooperation with a local working group, we developed the new Widen One’s Mind (WOM) scale, which showed good scale characteristics. All places received high scores in their potential to increase restoration and vitality and to widen one’s mind. Positive affect, restoration, connectedness with nature and the forest, and mindfulness increased pre- versus post-visits, whereas negative affect and perceived stress decreased. The findings of this study suggest that in recreational forests, visitors experience beneficial mental effects such as stress reduction in addition to physical exercise. To facilitate regional development goals, we recommend evaluating places in forests regarding the potential effects on the health and well-being as well as citizen participation before initiating extensive remodeling.
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Abstract
In recent decades, there has been an increasing volume of research aimed out quantifying the extent to which the natural environment can assist in restoring mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is commonly assumed that natural environments are more restorative than urban environments. However, studies addressing this issue use a variety of methods for data collection making it difficult to compare the findings of different studies. The research reported here uses a meta-analysis aimed at estimating how much natural environments are perceived as being more restorative than urban environments. We investigated the role of moderator variables such as research design, kind of natural environment, participants, measurement instruments used or the context in which the data were collected. PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, SpringerLINK, Web of Science online databases were used to identity all peer-review articles on restorativeness published to date (k = 167). Reference sections of obtained papers were examined for additional studies. Only 22 studies met inclusion criteria (direct exposure to environment, comparison between one outdoor environment with natural element and one without natural element, and restorativeness measured by self-report scale) and were included in meta-analysis. Results show that natural environments are perceived to be more restorative than urban environments (Cohen's d (confidence interval) = 1.99 (1.38-2.61)). Significant heterogeneity between the study was found (Q(19) = 503.16, p < .001) and variability within studies was very high (I2 = 97%). However, subsequent univariate moderator analyses were not significant. Other methodological differences (e.g., lighting conditions) could explain this variability. We concluded that the variability in studies is more likely to be due to individual differences (e.g., age, connections to nature, and environmental attitude) than the methodological differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rob Hall
- Environmetrics Ltd, Pymble, Australia
| | - Margherita Pasini
- Department of Human Sciences, 19051University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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14
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Bellini D, Hartig T, Bonaiuto M. Social support in the company canteen: A restorative resource buffering the relationship between job demands and fatigue. Work 2019; 63:375-387. [PMID: 31256107 DOI: 10.3233/wor-192944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of the places where workers take their breaks may affect the completeness of recovery in the time available. Little is known about how characteristics of a company canteen buffer the relationship between job demands and fatigue. OBJECTIVE We addressed the possibility that the company canteen buffers the relationship between job demands and fatigue to the extent that workers perceive it to hold restorative quality. Further, we considered how the restorative quality of the canteen signals the provision of organizational support, another job resource thought to buffer the demands-fatigue relationship. ETHODS A questionnaire was completed by 141 male blue collars workers during their lunch break in the factory canteen of an Italian industrial organization. RESULTS Canteen restorative quality correlated positively with organizational support. In multivariate regression analyses, the demands-fatigue association was weaker among workers who saw greater restorative quality in the canteen. This buffering effect was accounted for by a buffering effect of organizational support. CONCLUSIONS When settings for rest in the workplace have higher restorative quality, they may better function as job resources in two respects: serving the immediate needs of workers for recovery from job demands, and signaling the interest of the organization in their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Marino Bonaiuto
- Department of Psychology of Development and Socialization Processes, Interuniversity Research Centre in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Sapienza Università di Roma
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15
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Negrín F, Hernández-Fernaud E, Hess S, Hernández B. Discrimination of Urban Spaces with Different Level of Restorativeness Based on the Original and on a Shorter Version of Hartig et al.'s Perceived Restorativeness Scale. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1735. [PMID: 29062293 PMCID: PMC5640703 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Restorativeness is defined as the potential of the environment to re-establish certain cognitive capacities related to human information processing. The most frequently used instrument for evaluating the restorativeness of places is the Perceived Restorativeness Scale, proposed by Hartig et al. (1991). Later on, shorter versions of the Perceived Restorativeness Scale were proposed. The aim of this work is to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of the original and of a shorter Spanish version of the PRS, considering urban settings previously selected for having different level of restorativeness, according to expert’s criteria. The study involved 244 students and used a 3 × 2 mixed experimental design, with two independent variables: Restorativeness of a place (between-subjects), which was manipulated by showing pictures of settings selected with varying levels of restorativeness (high, medium, low), and length of the scale (within-subjects), which was manipulated by asking subjects to fill in both the original and a shorter version of the PRS. The order of presentation of the two scales was counterbalanced. Results show an appropriate reliability for both version of the scale. Items of being-away, fascination, and coherence of the shorter scale correlate more strongly with the corresponding factor of the original scale, compared to the others factors. Both scales produce similar values for the perceived restorativeness of the different places, except for places with low restorativeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Negrín
- Psicología Cognitiva, Social y Organizacional, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Stephany Hess
- Psicología Clínica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Bernardo Hernández
- Psicología Cognitiva, Social y Organizacional, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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16
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McAllister E, Bhullar N, Schutte NS. Into the Woods or a Stroll in the Park: How Virtual Contact with Nature Impacts Positive and Negative Affect. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14070786. [PMID: 28708074 PMCID: PMC5551224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of virtual contact with nature on positive and negative affect, and investigated the psychological process of perceived restorativeness as a mediator of this relationship. A sample of 220 Australians aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 49.07, SD = 14.34, female = 72%) participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three experimental conditions experienced through video presentations: (1) 'wild' nature, (2) 'urban' nature, and (3) non-nature control. They then completed measures of perceived restorativeness as well as positive and negative affect. Compared to the non-nature control condition, the experience of wild nature resulted in significantly higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect. The experience of urban nature resulted in significantly lower levels of negative affect only compared to the non-nature control video. Experience of wild and urban nature resulted in greater perceptions of restorativeness as compared to the non-nature control video. Restorativeness was a significant underlying psychological mediating path through which nature experience exerted its influence on affect. These results have the potential to inform nature-based green care interventions for mental health as well as for urban planning to maximize beneficial effects of natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McAllister
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia.
| | - Navjot Bhullar
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia.
| | - Nicola S Schutte
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia.
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