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Liem DG, Woo YC. Encouraging online consumers into making better food choices: The power of nature exposure on healthy food choices. Appetite 2024; 199:107382. [PMID: 38723667 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND online environments can influence food desire and choices. We tested if online calming nature and stressful street environments can affect desire for healthy and unhealthy foods. METHOD we asked 238 participants (40 ± 14 yrs) to rate their desire (100 mm VAS) for 7 low calorie nutrient rich foods (Healthy) and 7 high calorie nutrient poor foods (Unhealthy), and perceived stress (state anxiety in STAI), before and after imagining themselves in a control, nature park, or busy street condition. RESULTS participants who imagined themselves being in a nature park had a significant higher desire for Healthy foods, than participants in the busy street condition (p < 0.05). Participants in the busy street condition decreased their desire for Healthy foods after they imagined themselves in a busy street (p < 0.05)). However, perceived stress did not impact the association between condition and desire for low calorie foods nor high calorie foods. CONCLUSION this study suggests that online environments can have an impact on healthy food desires, which could be of importance for the increased number of food choices which are made in online environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djin Gie Liem
- Deakin University, CASS Food Research Centre, Australia.
| | - Yu Chu Woo
- Deakin University, CASS Food Research Centre, Australia.
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Jiang Y, Wu Y, Hu Y, Li S, Ren L, Wang J, Yu M, Yang R, Liu Z, Zhang N, Hu K, Zhang Y, Livingston G, Zhang JJ, Zeng Y, Chen H, Yao Y. Bi-directional association between outdoor or social activities and cognitive function: do the PM 2.5 exposure catalyze the detrimental inactivity-poor cognition cycle? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118868. [PMID: 38580003 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118868] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that lack of leisure activities, either outdoor or social activities, impedes cognitive function. However, the interrelationship between poor cognition and deficient activities is understudied. In addition, whether exposure to air pollution, such as PM2.5, can accelerate the detrimental 'inactivity-poor cognition' cycle, is worthy of investigation. METHODS We used data from the 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We assessed the frequency of outdoor or social activities at each wave. The cognitive function was examined using a China-Modified Mini-mental State Examination. We estimated the residential exposure to fine particular matter (PM2.5) via a satellite-based model. We applied cross-lagged panel (CLP) model to examine the bi-directional relationship between outdoor or social activities and cognitive function. We then examined the effect of PM2.5 exposure with sequent cognitive function and activities using generalized estimation equation (GEE) model. FINDINGS Overall, we observed significant bi-directional associations between outdoor or social activities and cognitive function. Participants with better cognitive function in the last wave were more likely to engage in outdoor or social activities in the following wave (outdoor activities: β = 0.37, 95% CI [0.27,0.48], P < 0.01; social activities: β = 0.05, 95% CI [0.02,0.09] P < 0.01). Meanwhile, higher engagement in outdoor or social activities in the last wave was associated with more favorable cognitive function in the following wave (outdoor activities: β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.03,0.09], P < 0.01; social activities: β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.03,0.18], P < 0.01). Notably, an increase in PM2.5 exposure during the preceding year was significantly associated with a declining cognitive function (β = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.08,-0.03], P < 0.01), outdoor activities (β = -0.02, 95% CI [-0.04, -0.01], P < 0.01) and social activities (β = -0.02, 95% CI [-0.02, -0.01], P < 0.01) in the current year; the lagged effects of the PM2.5 exposure in the past year of the last wave on activities and cognitive function of the following wave were also observed. INTERPRETATION Our findings not only indicate the bi-directional links between the frequency of outdoor or social activities and cognitive function, but also report that PM2.5 exposure plays a role in catalyzing the detrimental inactivity-poor cognition cycle. Future research should investigate whether the policy-driven interventions, such as clean air policies, can break the unfavorable activity-cognition cycle, and thereby promoting health from the dual gains in leisure activities and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Jiang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojie Li
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Longbin Ren
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhi Yu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Yang
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouwei Liu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG), The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kejia Hu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Junfeng Jim Zhang
- Global Health Institute and the Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yi Zeng
- Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies, National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, China; Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development and Geriatrics Division, Medical School of Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Huashuai Chen
- Business School of Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, China.
| | - Yao Yao
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Leprince C, Maurin M, Carling C. Consideration of Mental Health and Well-Being in High-Level Sport: When Will a Coach-Centred Approach Be Introduced? Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02044-x. [PMID: 38811435 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Coverage of problems relating to mental health and well-being is gaining ground in the sports sector today, both in the media and in the scientific literature. Despite exposure to numerous stressors and suffering from poor mental health, coaches have in general been largely overlooked in the scientific literature. Previous studies have mainly focused upon athlete populations. The absence of research means that there are real shortcomings in both understanding the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of coaches' mental health and well-being and in the lack of specific support systems available. This paper first describes findings from the recent, albeit quite scarce, research investigating mental health and well-being in coaches. It then proposes a number of avenues for research and support protocols, both of which are currently ongoing at the French Football Federation Research Centre. The aim is to help support these key participants in the sports sector who arguably have not been given sufficient consideration until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Leprince
- French Football Federation Research Centre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
- Sport, Expertise and Performance Laboratory (EA 7370), INSEP, Paris, France
| | - Mathéo Maurin
- French Football Federation Research Centre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
- Laboratory on Vulnerabilities and Innovation in Sport (L-VIS), University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christopher Carling
- French Football Federation Research Centre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France.
- Sport, Expertise and Performance Laboratory (EA 7370), INSEP, Paris, France.
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Schaupp J, Hediger K, Wunderli JM, Schäffer B, Tobias S, Kolecka N, Bauer N. Psychophysiological effects of walking in forests and urban built environments with disparate road traffic noise exposure: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:250. [PMID: 38711162 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a widespread phenomenon and reality of everyday life, entailing negative consequences for physical and psychological wellbeing. Previous studies have indicated that exposure to greenspaces and nature-based interventions are promising approaches to reducing stress and promoting restoration. However, an increasing percentage of the population lives in urban regions with limited opportunities to spend time in greenspaces. In addition, urban settings typically feature increased levels of noise, which represents a major environmental stressor. Although various studies have compared the effects of exposure to greenspaces versus urban built environments, evidence of the effects of noise in this context is very limited. Psychophysiological benefits of exposure to greenspaces compared to urban built environments reported in earlier studies might be less (or at least not only) due to features of the greenspaces than to additional stressors, such as road traffic noise in the urban built environment. Hence, differences in the effects attributed to greenness in previous studies may also be due to potentially detrimental noise effects in comparison settings. This paper reports the study protocol for a randomized, controlled intervention study comparing the effects of walking in forest versus urban built environments, taking road traffic noise exposure during walks in the respective settings into account. METHODS The protocol envisages a field study employing a pretest-posttest design to compare the effects of 30-min walks in urban built environments and forests with different road traffic noise levels. Assessments will consist of self-reported measures, physiological data (salivary cortisol and skin conductance), an attention test, and noise, as well as greenness measurements. The outcomes will be restoration, stress, positive and negative affect, attention, rumination, and nature connectedness. DISCUSSION The results will inform about the restorative effect of walking in general, of exposure to different types of environments, and to different noise levels in these sites. The study will provide insights into the benefits of walking and nature-based interventions, taking into account the potential detrimental effects of noise exposure. It will thus facilitate a better understanding of low-threshold interventions to prevent stress and foster wellbeing. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN48943261 ; Registered 23.11.2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schaupp
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Karin Hediger
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Marc Wunderli
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schäffer
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Tobias
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Kolecka
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bauer
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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Wen Y, Shen X, Shen Y. Improving immersive experiences in virtual natural setting for public health and environmental design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297986. [PMID: 38630668 PMCID: PMC11023440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of therapeutic landscapes. For hospitalized patients or individuals with limited mobility, VR provides highly personalized therapy by simulating authentic natural environments within a safe, convenient, and engaging setting. This study investigated the effectiveness of immersing patients in virtual natural environments for health recovery and compared the varying impacts of different types of landscapes on patients' recovery levels. The aim was to complement traditional medical approaches and enhance environmental design in the field of public health. Researchers systematically reviewed databases (January 2018 to August 2, 2023) to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of virtual nature immersion with other treatments. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were established based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design, and other aspects (expanded PICO) framework. The Cochrane tool was employed to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted by pooling the mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. Among 30 trials, a total of 2123 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 15 studies included in the meta-analysis. 30 trials met the criteria. Results show significant improvements in pain, anxiety, fear, and some physiological indicators with virtual nature-based treatments. On the other hand, natural scenes incorporating blue and green elements have been applied more extensively and have shown more significant effects. In comparison to conventional methods, this study strongly advocates that virtual reality environments are a crucial tool in bridging the gap between patients and nature, demonstrating their potential to reshape medical interventions and improve environmental design in the field of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Wen
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hongkon District, Shanghai, China
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Nankai District, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiwei Shen
- School of Architecture, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Yan Shen
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hongkon District, Shanghai, China
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Benedetti V, Giganti F, Cotugno M, Noferini C, Gavazzi G, Gronchi G, Righi S, Meneguzzo F, Becheri FR, Li Q, Viggiano MP. Interplay among Anxiety, Digital Environmental Exposure, and Cognitive Control: Implications of Natural Settings. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:323. [PMID: 38667119 PMCID: PMC11047410 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory control performance may differ greatly as a function of individual differences such as anxiety. Nonetheless, how cognitive control proficiency might be influenced by exposure to various environments and how anxiety traits might impact these effects remain unexplored. A cohort of thirty healthy volunteers participated in the study. Participants performed a Go/No-Go task before exposure to a 'forest' and 'urban' virtual environment, in a counterbalanced design, before repeating the GNG task. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was finally filled-in. Our findings unveiled an initial negative correlation between anxiety trait levels and GNG task performance, consistent with the established literature attributing difficulties in inhibitory functionality to anxiety. Additionally, different environmental exposures reported opposite trends. Exposure to the 'forest' environment distinctly improved the GNG performance in relation to anxiety traits, while the 'urban' setting demonstrated adverse effects on task performance. These results underscore the intricate relationship among cognitive control, environmental exposure, and trait anxiety. In particular, our findings highlight the potential of natural settings, such as forests, to mitigate the impact of anxiety on inhibition. This might have implications for interventions aimed at improving cognitive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Fiorenza Giganti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Cotugno
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Chiara Noferini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Gioele Gavazzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Giorgio Gronchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefania Righi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
| | - Francesco Meneguzzo
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council, 10 Via Madonna del Piano, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;
- Central Scientific Committee, Italian Alpine Club, 19 Via E. Petrella, 20124 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Qing Li
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine—Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan;
| | - Maria Pia Viggiano
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.G.); (M.C.); (C.N.); (G.G.); (G.G.); (S.R.)
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van den Bosch M, Bartolomeu ML, Williams S, Basnou C, Hamilton I, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Pino J, Tonne C. A scoping review of human health co-benefits of forest-based climate change mitigation in Europe. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108593. [PMID: 38531235 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108593] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is a pressing global challenge with profound implications for human health. Forest-based climate change mitigation strategies, such as afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management, offer promising solutions to mitigate climate change and simultaneously yield substantial co-benefits for human health. The objective of this scoping review was to examine research trends related to the interdisciplinary nexus between forests as carbon sinks and human health co-benefits. We developed a conceptual framework model, supporting the inclusion of exposure pathways, such as recreational opportunities or aesthetic experiences, in the co-benefit context. We used a scoping review methodology to identify the proportion of European research on forest-based mitigation strategies that acknowledge the interconnection between mitigation strategies and human impacts. We also aimed to assess whether synergies and trade-offs between forest-based carbon sink capacity and human co-benefits has been analysed and quantified. From the initial 4,062 records retrieved, 349 reports analysed European forest management principles and factors related to climate change mitigation capacity. Of those, 97 studies acknowledged human co-benefits and 13 studies quantified the impacts on exposure pathways or health co-benefits and were included for full review. Our analysis demonstrates that there is potential for synergies related to optimising carbon sink capacity together with human co-benefits, but there is currently a lack of holistic research approaches assessing these interrelationships. We suggest enhanced interdisciplinary efforts, using for example multideterminant modelling approaches, to advance evidence and understanding of the forest and health nexus in the context of climate change mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; European Forest Institute, Biocities Facility Rome, Italy.
| | - María Lucía Bartolomeu
- Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología del Ministerio de Salud de La Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sarah Williams
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ian Hamilton
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cathryn Tonne
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Schöttl SE, Insam K, Frühauf A, Kopp-Wilfling P, Holzner B, Kopp M. Acute effects of outdoor and indoor walking on cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms and affective response during temporary smoking abstinence. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:739-752. [PMID: 38001265 PMCID: PMC10927848 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cigarette smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of premature death worldwide. There is evidence in the literature that brief exercise units indoors can improve well-being in temporarily abstinent smokers and reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. OBJECTIVE Because exercise in natural environments showed enhanced psychological effects, the aim of our study was to examine the acute effects of outdoor exercise compared with indoor exercise on craving, withdrawal symptoms and affective response in temporarily abstinent smokers. METHODS In a randomized controlled within-subject-design, temporarily abstinent smokers (N = 16) participated in three interventions lasting 10 min: outdoor walking (OUT-EX), indoor walking (IN-EX) and a sedentary control condition (CC). Self-reported cigarette craving, withdrawal symptoms and affective response were assessed pre-, mid-, post-interventions and at follow-up. RESULTS In contrast to CC, OUT-EX and IN-EX significantly reduced cigarette cravings during and at the end of the intervention compared to pre-intervention, but not at 20 min follow-up. Cigarette withdrawal symptoms decreased significantly over time in all three groups, but no significant group differences were found. OUT-EX and IN-EX, but not CC, showed significantly improved affective valence at the end of the intervention and at follow-ups. Outdoor walking resulted in significantly lower cigarette cravings than indoor walking at the end of the intervention. CONCLUSION The study adds to existing evidence that short bouts of indoor or outdoor exercise can help reduce cigarette cravings and increase well-being in abstinent smokers. Further studies are needed to address the potential additional effect of outdoor exercise on craving, affective states and smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie E Schöttl
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fürstenweg 185, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Kathrin Insam
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fürstenweg 185, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anika Frühauf
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fürstenweg 185, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Prisca Kopp-Wilfling
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fürstenweg 185, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Kopp
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fürstenweg 185, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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9
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Joye Y, Lange F, Lisauskienė A, Makauskaitė D. Watching (natural) beauty boosts task performance: testing the nature-as-reward hypothesis. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1045-1059. [PMID: 38286855 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In two online studies, we tested the "nature-as-reward hypothesis", which suggests that superior cognitive task performance following nature exposure reflects a general performance improvement, driven by the reward value of beautiful things. In both between-subjects experiments, participants viewed either beautiful or less beautiful images for 10 s, comprising beautiful mountain photos (vs. less beautiful mountain drawings) in Study 1 and beautiful fractals (vs. less beautiful pixelated images) in Study 2. Following image exposure, participants engaged in a ticking task requiring them to freely tick up to 200 boxes. Participants had to complete four (Study 1) or five (Study 2) of such ticking tasks, with each task being preceded by either a beautiful or less beautiful image. In Study 1, for a subset of participants the ticking task was framed as a game. We found that in Study 1, ticking declined over the ticking rounds when participants had viewed less beautiful line drawings of mountains, while ticking performance remained unchanged over the rounds after seeing beautiful mountain images. However, when the ticking task was framed as a game, there was no significant difference in ticking performance between the two beauty conditions over the four ticking rounds. In Study 2, participants ticked more boxes over all ticking rounds after viewing images of beautiful fractals compared to less beautiful pixelated images. In line with the nature-as-reward hypothesis, these findings show that brief exposures to beautiful (nature) images can motivate to work and that framing tasks as a game can attenuate this beauty advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Joye
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Florian Lange
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Behavioral Economics and Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Pham TP, Sanocki T. Human Attention Restoration, Flow, and Creativity: A Conceptual Integration. J Imaging 2024; 10:83. [PMID: 38667981 PMCID: PMC11050943 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging10040083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's fast paced, attention-demanding society, executive functions and attentional resources are often taxed. Individuals need ways to sustain and restore these resources. We first review the concepts of attention and restoration, as instantiated in Attention Restoration Theory (ART). ART emphasizes the role of nature in restoring attention. We then discuss the essentials of experiments on the causal influences of nature. Next, we expand the concept of ART to include modern, designed environments. We outline a wider perspective termed attentional ecology, in which attention behavior is viewed within a larger system involving the human and their interactions with environmental demands over time. When the ecology is optimal, mental functioning can be a positive "flow" that is productive, sustainable for the individual, and sometimes creative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa P. Pham
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA;
| | - Thomas Sanocki
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Li H, Zhang G. How can plant-enriched natural environments benefit human health: a narrative review of relevant theories. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:1241-1254. [PMID: 36697394 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2170990] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant-enriched environments, the most common terrestrial landscapes, are usually coded as "green space" in urban studies. To understand how these natural environments can benefit human health, many theories have been developed, such as the well-known Attention Restoration Theory. Nowadays, more theories are emerging with regard to various and complex health dimensions. In this context, we searched online databases (from 2000 to 2022) and conducted a narrative review aiming to introduce relevant theories concerning psychological (e.g. Perceptual Fluency Account and Conditioned Restoration Theory), physiological (e.g. volatile organic compounds and environmental microbiomes), and behavioural (e.g. physical activity and social contact) perspectives. We also slightly mentioned some limitations and directions to be considered when using these theories. These results may offer general readers insights into the value of nature exposure and also help relevant researchers with study design and result interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Li
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Motor Function Monitoring, Institute of Sports Science, College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Motor Function Monitoring, Institute of Sports Science, College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Hazlehurst MF, Hajat A, Tandon PS, Szpiro AA, Kaufman JD, Tylavsky FA, Hare ME, Sathyanarayana S, Loftus CT, LeWinn KZ, Bush NR, Karr CJ. Associations of residential green space with internalizing and externalizing behavior in early childhood. Environ Health 2024; 23:17. [PMID: 38331928 PMCID: PMC10851463 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green space exposures may promote child mental health and well-being across multiple domains and stages of development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between residential green space exposures and child mental and behavioral health at age 4-6 years. METHODS Children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) cohort in Shelby County, Tennessee, were parent-reported on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined three exposures-residential surrounding greenness calculated as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree cover, and park proximity-averaged across the residential history for the year prior to outcome assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for individual, household, and neighborhood-level confounders across multiple domains. Effect modification by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions was explored using multiplicative interaction terms. RESULTS Children were on average 4.2 years (range 3.8-6.0) at outcome assessment. Among CANDLE mothers, 65% self-identified as Black, 29% as White, and 6% as another or multiple races; 41% had at least a college degree. Higher residential surrounding greenness was associated with lower internalizing behavior scores (-0.66 per 0.1 unit higher NDVI; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.07) in fully-adjusted models. The association between tree cover and internalizing behavior was in the hypothesized direction but confidence intervals included the null (-0.29 per 10% higher tree cover; 95% CI: -0.62, 0.04). No associations were observed between park proximity and internalizing behavior. We did not find any associations with externalizing behaviors or the attention problems subscale. Estimates were larger in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic opportunity, but interaction terms were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add to the accumulating evidence of the importance of residential green space for the prevention of internalizing problems among young children. This research suggests the prioritization of urban green spaces as a resource for child mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie F Hazlehurst
- Department of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Anjum Hajat
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pooja S Tandon
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam A Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joel D Kaufman
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Public Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frances A Tylavsky
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marion E Hare
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Seattle Children's Research Institute; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine T Loftus
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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13
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McDonnell AS, Strayer DL. Immersion in nature enhances neural indices of executive attention. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1845. [PMID: 38253734 PMCID: PMC10803324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is conjecture that our modern urban environments place high demand on our attentional resources, which can become depleted over time and cause mental fatigue. Natural environments, on the other hand, are thought to provide relief from this demand and allow our resources to be replenished. While these claims have been assessed with self-report and behavioral measures, there is limited understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these attentional benefits. The present randomized controlled trial fills this gap in the literature by using electroencephalography to explore three aspects of attention-alerting, orienting, and executive control-from a behavioral and neural perspective. Participants (N = 92) completed the Attention Network Task before and after either a 40-min walk in nature or a 40-min walk in a control, urban environment. Participants that walked in nature reported their walk to be more restorative than those that walked in the urban environment. Furthermore, the nature group showed an enhanced error-related negativity after their walk, an event-related brain component that indexes executive control capacity, whereas the urban group did not. These findings demonstrate that a 40-min nature walk enhances executive control at a neural level, providing a potential neural mechanism for attention restoration in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S McDonnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102, USA.
| | - David L Strayer
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102, USA
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14
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Fowler Davis S, Benkowitz C, Nield L, Dayson C. Green spaces and the impact on cognitive frailty: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1278542. [PMID: 38283295 PMCID: PMC10810992 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1278542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Some literature indicates that contact with green spaces can benefit health and wellbeing, but it is unclear whether this is protective of cognitive health in older people. Using Arskey and O'Malley's framework the aim was to investigate ageing, cognitive frailty and the effects of green access including any causality. The evidence was somewhat inconsistent but suggestive for a beneficial role of green space exposure on cognitive functions. Results suggested that globally, the poorer urban environments are high risk for older people's mental health and these places often lack parks and green spaces. There is evidence that the level of activity and social participation may be greater with access to green spaces and therefore reduces health risks. Green spaces seem to have a role in preventing cognitive frailty, especially for more vulnerable older populations living in poorer urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Fowler Davis
- School of Allied Health and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Benkowitz
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Lucie Nield
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Dayson
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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15
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Trammell JP, Harriger JA, Krumrei-Mancuso EJ. Walking in nature may improve affect but not cognition. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1258378. [PMID: 38250104 PMCID: PMC10797046 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Beneficial effects of natural environments on affect have been consistently reported, but effects on cognition have been less consistent. We examined affect and cognitive performance in the domains of attention, working memory, executive function, and recall and recognition memory in a sample of 188 undergraduate participants who completed a walk in one of three environments: an outdoor nature environment, an outdoor urban environment, or an indoor (treadmill) environment. Supporting the hypotheses, the outdoor nature environment resulted in the greatest increase in positive affect and decrease in negative affect from pre-to post-walk. However, there were no effects of location on any cognitive measure. These results suggest that cognitive effects do not always occur in tandem with affective benefits. Possible explanations, including prior frequent exposure to nature in our participants and extremity of the natural environment, are discussed.
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16
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Ding Y, Lee C, Chen X, Song Y, Newman G, Lee R, Lee S, Li D, Sohn W. Exploring the association between campus environment of higher education and student health: A systematic review of findings and measures. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2024; 91:128168. [PMID: 38313064 PMCID: PMC10835873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between the neighborhood environments and residents' health. However, other important settings, such as university campuses, have received little attention. This paper conducted a systematic review and synthesized existing empirical works examining the association between the university/college campuses built and natural environments and students' health. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched nine databases using keywords related to higher-education campuses and health-related outcomes. A total of 19 articles were identified, including fifteen cross-sectional studies, three experimental studies, and one longitudinal study. The majority of the studies were conducted in Asian countries and published in the past five years. The findings indicate that active transportation infrastructure, such as increased road intersections and better walkability, were found to be positively associated with students' physical activity. The natural environments, including perceived naturalness, blue space, and greenness was shown to support student's mental health and quality of life. Specifically, blue space was found to be the most preferred place for mental restoration, and scattered trees demonstrated a supportive effect in reducing depression symptoms. Even just viewing virtual trees had a restorative effect and feel less anxiety. Additionally, during the summer, tree shadows were identified as the most important factors for enhancing thermal comfort. This review emphasizes the crucial role of campus environments in promoting college students' health. Future longitudinal studies and investigations using multiple campuses would provide a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship. Such endeavors can contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for designing and planning healthy campus environments that optimize students' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Ding
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Galen Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Ryunjung Lee
- School of Architecture and Planning, University of Texas at San Antonio, United States
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Dongying Li
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, United States
| | - Wonmin Sohn
- School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, United States
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17
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Keller J, Kayira J, Chawla L, Rhoades JL. Forest Bathing Increases Adolescents' Mental Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 38276796 PMCID: PMC10815422 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010008] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that practicing forest bathing has significant positive effects on adult psychological well-being. Considering the ongoing adolescents' mental health crisis of increasing anxiety and depression, determining whether forest bathing has similar effects on adolescents is an important expansion of forest bathing research. This study investigated the possibility that forest bathing could improve adolescents' mental well-being and sought to determine participants' experiences of forest bathing. It used a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design that was partially co-created with 24 participants aged 16-18 as part of a youth participatory action research (YPAR) project in which participants practiced forest bathing three times over 3 weeks. As measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Survey, the mean participant mental well-being increased significantly after forest bathing, with moderate to large effect sizes. Participants described reduced stress and increased feelings of relaxation, peace, and happiness. These findings correlate with previous forest bathing research involving adult participants. It is recommended that educators and others who work with adolescents consider forest bathing as a simple, low-cost way to improve adolescents' mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keller
- Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University, New England, Keene, NH 03431, USA;
| | - Jean Kayira
- Department of Environmental Studies, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Suracuse, NY 13201, USA;
| | - Louise Chawla
- Program in Environmental Design, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - Jason L. Rhoades
- Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University, New England, Keene, NH 03431, USA;
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18
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Lemyre A, Messina JP. Greenspace use during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal population mobility study in the United Kingdom. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117360. [PMID: 37852457 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic greatly disrupted the lives of people. Restrictions introduced worldwide to limit the spread of infection included stay-at-home orders, closure of venues, restrictions to travel and limits to social contacts. During this time, parks and outdoor greenspaces gained prominent attention as alternative location for respite. Population mobility data offers a unique opportunity to understand the impact of the pandemic on outdoor behaviour. We examine the role of the restrictions on park use throughout the full span of the pandemic while controlling for weather and region. METHODS This study provides a longitudinal population analysis of park visitation using Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports data in the UK. Daily park visitation was plotted and ANOVA analyses tested season and year effects in visitation. Then, regressions examined park visitation beyond weather (temperature and rain), according to COVID-19 restrictions, while controlling for region specificities through unit fixed effect models. RESULTS Time series and ANOVA analyses documented the significant decrease in park visitation in the spring of 2020, the seasonal pattern in visitation, and an overall sustained and elevated use over nearly three years. Regressions confirmed park visitation increased significantly when temperature was greater and when it rained less. More visitation was also seen when there were fewer COVID-19 cases and when the stringency level of restrictions was lower. Of special interest, a significant interaction effect was found between temperature and stringency, with stringency significantly supressing the effect of higher temperature on visitation. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 restrictions negatively impacted park visitation on warm days. Given the general health, social, and wellbeing benefits of greenspace use, one should consider the collateral negative impact of restrictions on park visitation. When social distancing of contacts is required, the few remaining locations where it can safely occur should instead be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Lemyre
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, S Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom.
| | - Jane P Messina
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, S Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom.
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19
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Söderlund C, de la Fuente Suárez LA, Tillander A, Toivanen S, Bälter K. The outdoor office: a pilot study of environmental qualities, experiences of office workers, and work-related well-being. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1214338. [PMID: 38169869 PMCID: PMC10758605 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1214338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Outdoor office work is an emerging aspect of the concept of 'new ways of working', but only sparse data are available about the environmental qualities of the outdoor office space, experiences of office workers, and work-related well-being of outdoor office work. Here, we present an exploratory pilot study on well-being and outdoor office work in a public urban space. An outdoor office was set up in the courtyard of a university campus, and the participants (n = 16) conducted office work outdoors for 30 min and thereafter participated in an eye-tracking session for 11-15 min (n = 8) and subsequently filled out surveys (n = 16). The eye tracker allowed the discovery of natural and built elements in the outdoor environment that caught the participants' visual attention, whereas the surveys assessed aspects of their subjective experiences of the outdoor office space (its visual and spatial qualities) and the work there. The results are presented as network graphs where correlations are shown regarding different aspects of office work outdoors. The results indicate that outdoor office work in a public urban space may promote work-related well-being in terms of positive outdoor office space experiences. Based on the findings, a preliminary set of outdoor office qualities is proposed. Those qualities relate to the legibility and imageability of the outdoor office space, its focal points, and depth/spaciousness, in addition to attributes of usability and environmental richness, including if the outdoor office space affords natural contact and supports activities, in addition to social and individual interactions and relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Söderlund
- School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, the Division of Information Design, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | | | - Annika Tillander
- The Division of Statistics and Machine Learning, Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Susanna Toivanen
- School of Health and Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Katarina Bälter
- School of Health and Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Devisscher T, Lam T, Fitzgibbons J, Jarvis I, Li D, Mitchell MGE. More than greening: Using a novel index to assess restorative nature and vulnerability relationships. AMBIO 2023; 52:1992-2008. [PMID: 37490226 PMCID: PMC10654315 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Urban living limits access to nature yet spending time in nature is crucial for human health and well-being. To overcome this, urban planners and policymakers are actively looking for different ways to conserve and create more urban nature through parks, street trees, and other greening strategies. However, research shows that in most cities, these greening efforts are not equitably distributed, nor are they equal in terms of their quality or benefits they provide. Creating more equitable access to urban nature is a challenge and a priority in the next decade, and so is improving the quality of urban nature and associated benefits for urbanites. To address this challenge and contribute at both practical and conceptual levels, we propose a new Local Restorative Nature (LRN) index for geospatially assessing the "restorative quality" of urban nature that can support mental well-being. To contextualize the LRN index, we map the distribution of restorative nature in relation to social vulnerability in Vancouver, Canada. The novel LRN index provides critical insights showing that many neighborhoods with vulnerable populations in Vancouver have less exposure to restorative nature to support mental health and highlights where to strategically prioritize urban greening investment in areas that need it the most. The LRN index is scalable and can be used by urban planners in other cities and contexts to improve equitable distribution of restorative nature and better support urbanites' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahia Devisscher
- Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Taelynn Lam
- Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Joanne Fitzgibbons
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ingrid Jarvis
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Derek Li
- Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Matthew G E Mitchell
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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21
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White MP, Hartig T, Martin L, Pahl S, van den Berg AE, Wells NM, Costongs C, Dzhambov AM, Elliott LR, Godfrey A, Hartl A, Konijnendijk C, Litt JS, Lovell R, Lymeus F, O'Driscoll C, Pichler C, Pouso S, Razani N, Secco L, Steininger MO, Stigsdotter UK, Uyarra M, van den Bosch M. Nature-based biopsychosocial resilience: An integrative theoretical framework for research on nature and health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108234. [PMID: 37832260 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions including urban forests and wetlands can help communities cope better with climate change and other environmental stressors by enhancing social-ecological resilience. Natural ecosystems, settings, elements and affordances can also help individuals become more personally resilient to a variety of stressors, although the mechanisms underpinning individual-level nature-based resilience, and their relations to social-ecological resilience, are not well articulated. We propose 'nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory' (NBRT) to address these gaps. Our framework begins by suggesting that individual-level resilience can refer to both: a) a person's set of adaptive resources; and b) the processes by which these resources are deployed. Drawing on existing nature-health perspectives, we argue that nature contact can support individuals build and maintain biological, psychological, and social (i.e. biopsychosocial) resilience-related resources. Together with nature-based social-ecological resilience, these biopsychosocial resilience resources can: i) reduce the risk of various stressors (preventive resilience); ii) enhance adaptive reactions to stressful circumstances (response resilience), and/or iii) facilitate more rapid and/or complete recovery from stress (recovery resilience). Reference to these three resilience processes supports integration across more familiar pathways involving harm reduction, capacity building, and restoration. Evidence in support of the theory, potential interventions to promote nature-based biopsychosocial resilience, and issues that require further consideration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P White
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Austria; European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK.
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Leanne Martin
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nancy M Wells
- Department of Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | | | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Lewis R Elliott
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | | | - Arnulf Hartl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Jill S Litt
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Freddie Lymeus
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Christina Pichler
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sarai Pouso
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Nooshin Razani
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laura Secco
- Department of Territorio e Sistemi Agro-Forestali (TESAF), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ulrika K Stigsdotter
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Uyarra
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Matilda van den Bosch
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Gonçalves G, Sousa C, Fernandes MJ, Almeida N, Sousa A. Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6986. [PMID: 37947544 PMCID: PMC10650875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216986] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The work environment plays a crucial role in the health and performance of employees. The growing interest in workers' well-being has driven the inclusion of nature in workplaces, despite many employees spending most of their time indoors, away from nature. Studies show that biophilic design in offices can have positive effects and promote workers' well-being. However, research on the beneficial effects of nature exposure in the workplace is limited and scattered. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to consolidate current knowledge on the restorative effects of nature exposure on workers during work activities. Different types of exposure, both outdoors and indoors, were considered, with a focus on outcomes related to well-being, motivation, job satisfaction, and work performance. Out of the initially identified 1225 articles, only 16 met the criteria for analysis. Although the analysed studies provided compelling evidence regarding the restorative effects of nature exposure in the workplace, the review also points out gaps and limitations concerning the number of specific studies in this area and the need to adequately assess the sensory dimensions involved in these effects. Conducting more comprehensive and multidimensional investigations into the impacts of nature on the work environment could contribute to guiding more effective design strategies and creating healthier and more productive workplaces for employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Gonçalves
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Sousa
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Higher School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Maria Jacinta Fernandes
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| | - Nuno Almeida
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - António Sousa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Higher Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
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23
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Owens M, Bunce H. The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17769. [PMID: 37853074 PMCID: PMC10584913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of multiple transitions and a vulnerability period for mental health difficulties. There are many barriers to the treatment of mental health conditions which is one reason for developing alternatives to help improve efficacy in treatment and prevention. One approach is to use nature-based interventions (NBIs) to improve mental wellbeing. In this experimental proof-of-principle intervention study, we randomly allocated a sample of adolescents to brief exposure (6 min) to either a virtual woodland nature video or a busy train journey and tested the effect on mental wellbeing. Results showed beneficial effects in the nature condition on several self-reported outcomes including stress, relaxation, affect, mood, attention, nature connection and nature spirituality. The intervention was mainly acceptable and feasible to do suggesting that overall brief virtual nature interventions may have utility in a range of mental health contexts for adolescents including as self-help universal or targeted prevention strategies, adjunct to psychological therapy and as preparation for more intensive NBIs. Additionally, brief virtual nature interventions support accessibility for those who may be limited on time, unable to access real-life nature or who may be more biophobic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owens
- Department of Psychology, The Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QQ, UK.
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK.
| | - Hannah Bunce
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton, TA1 5DA, UK
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24
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Geary RS, Thompson DA, Garrett JK, Mizen A, Rowney FM, Song J, White MP, Lovell R, Watkins A, Lyons RA, Williams S, Stratton G, Akbari A, Parker SC, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, White J, Wheeler BW, Fry R, Tsimpida D, Rodgers SE. Green-blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 11:1-176. [PMID: 37929711 DOI: 10.3310/lqpt9410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-sectional evidence suggests that living near green and blue spaces benefits mental health; longitudinal evidence is limited. Objectives To quantify the impact of changes in green and blue spaces on common mental health disorders, well-being and health service use. Design A retrospective, dynamic longitudinal panel study. Setting Wales, UK. Participants An e-cohort comprising 99,682,902 observations of 2,801,483 adults (≥ 16 years) registered with a general practice in Wales (2008-2019). A 5312-strong 'National Survey for Wales (NSW) subgroup' was surveyed on well-being and visits to green and blue spaces. Main outcome measures Common mental health disorders, general practice records; subjective well-being, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Data sources Common mental health disorder and use of general practice services were extracted quarterly from the Welsh Longitudinal General Practice Dataset. Annual ambient greenness exposure, enhanced vegetation index and access to green and blue spaces (2018) from planning and satellite data. Data were linked within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Methods Multilevel regression models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and common mental health disorders and use of general practice. For the National Survey for Wales subgroup, generalised linear models examined associations between exposure to green and blue spaces and subjective well-being and common mental health disorders. Results and conclusions Our longitudinal analyses found no evidence that changes in green and blue spaces through time impacted on common mental health disorders. However, time-aggregated exposure to green and blue spaces contrasting differences between people were associated with subsequent common mental health disorders. Similarly, our cross-sectional findings add to growing evidence that residential green and blue spaces and visits are associated with well-being benefits: Greater ambient greenness (+ 1 enhanced vegetation index) was associated with lower likelihood of subsequently seeking care for a common mental health disorder [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval, (CI) 0.80 to 0.81] and with well-being with a U-shaped relationship [Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; enhanced vegetation index beta (adjusted) -10.15, 95% CI -17.13 to -3.17; EVI2 beta (quadratic term; adj.) 12.49, 95% CI 3.02 to 21.97]. Those who used green and blue spaces for leisure reported better well-being, with diminishing extra benefit with increasing time (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors (hours) beta 0.88, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.24, time outdoors2 beta -0.06, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.01) and had 4% lower odds of seeking help for common mental health disorders (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99). Those in urban areas benefited most from greater access to green and blue spaces (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.89). Those in material deprivation benefited most from leisure time outdoors (until approximately four hours per week; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale: time outdoors × in material deprivation: 1.41, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.43; time outdoors2 × in material deprivation -0.18, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04) although well-being remained generally lower. Limitations Longitudinal analyses were restricted by high baseline levels and limited temporal variation in ambient greenness in Wales. Changes in access to green and blue spaces could not be captured annually due to technical issues with national-level planning datasets. Future work Further analyses could investigate mental health impacts in population subgroups potentially most sensitive to local changes in access to specific types of green and blue spaces. Deriving green and blue spaces changes from planning data is needed to overcome temporal uncertainties. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (Project number 16/07/07) and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 10. Sarah Rodgers is part-funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Jiao Song
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Sarah C Parker
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Department of Health Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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25
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Dzhambov AM, Lercher P, Vincens N, Persson Waye K, Klatte M, Leist L, Lachmann T, Schreckenberg D, Belke C, Ristovska G, Kanninen KM, Botteldooren D, Van Renterghem T, Jeram S, Selander J, Arat A, White K, Julvez J, Clark C, Foraster M, van Kamp I. Protective effect of restorative possibilities on cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents: A scoping review including the role of physical activity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116452. [PMID: 37339694 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The exposome approach can be a powerful tool for understanding the intertwining of social, physical, and internal influences that shape mental health and cognitive development throughout childhood. To distil conceptual models for subsequent analyses, the EU-funded project Early Environmental quality and Life-course mental health effects (Equal-Life) has conducted literature reviews on potential mediators linking the exposome to these outcomes. We report on a scoping review and a conceptual model of the role of restorative possibilities and physical activity. Methods Peer-reviewed studies published since the year 2000 in English, on the association between the exposome and mental health/cognition in children/adolescents, and quantitatively investigating restoration/restorative quality as a mediating variable were considered. Database searches were last updated in December 2022. We used an unstructured expert-driven approach to fill in gaps in the reviewed literature. Results Five records of three distinct studies were identified, indicating a scarcity of empirical evidence in this newly developing research area. Not only were these studies few in numbers, but also cross-sectional, lending only tentative support to the idea that perceived restorative quality of adolescent's living environment might mediate the association between greenspace and mental health. Physical activity emerged as a mediator leading to better psychological outcomes in restorative environments. We provide a critical discussion of potential caveats when investigating the restoration mechanism in children and propose a hierarchical model including restoration, physical activity, and relational dynamics between children and their environment, including social context, as well as restorative environments other than nature. Conclusions It is justified to further explore the role of restoration and physical activity as mediators in the association between early-life exposome and mental health/cognitive development. It is important to consider the child perspective and specific methodological caveats. Given the evolving conceptual definitions/operationalizations, Equal-Life will attempt to fill in a critical gap in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Peter Lercher
- Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Natalia Vincens
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Persson Waye
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Klatte
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Larisa Leist
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Thomas Lachmann
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany; Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición, Facultad de Lenguas y Educacion, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dirk Schreckenberg
- Centre for Applied Psychology, Environmental and Social Research (ZEUS GmbH), Hagen, Germany
| | - Christin Belke
- Centre for Applied Psychology, Environmental and Social Research (ZEUS GmbH), Hagen, Germany
| | - Gordana Ristovska
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dick Botteldooren
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timothy Van Renterghem
- Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sonja Jeram
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jenny Selander
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arzu Arat
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim White
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
| | - Jordi Julvez
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience Group (NeuroÈpia), Reus, Spain; ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charlotte Clark
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Foraster
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEREsp), Spain; PHAGEX Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene van Kamp
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
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26
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Chiang YJ. Multisensory Stimuli, Restorative Effect, and Satisfaction of Visits to Forest Recreation Destinations: A Case Study of the Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6768. [PMID: 37754627 PMCID: PMC10530344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The perceived quality of the restorative environment of forest resources should be a key consideration for forest recreational areas in managing ecosystem services to provide health benefits to visitors. However, previous studies on utilizing forests as a resource for restorative services have rarely explored the simultaneous integration of on-site sensory experiences from a multisensory perspective or evaluated visitor satisfaction from a service-oriented standpoint. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the association among multisensory stimuli, perceived restorativeness, and satisfaction with visits to forest recreation areas and clarify the mediating role of perceived restorativeness in the relationship between multisensory stimuli and satisfaction. This study deployed a questionnaire and collected 458 valid responses from visitors to the Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the study hypotheses. The results indicated that visual sensations, auditory sensations, olfactory sensations, and tactile sensations had significant positive effects on perceived restorativeness and satisfaction and that perceived restorativeness also had a significant positive effect on satisfaction. Perceived restorativeness played a partial mediating role in this causal model. This study verified the psychological model of the relationships among a natural setting's multisensory stimuli, perceived restorativeness, and satisfaction. In practice, the findings of this study offer guidance for forest recreation areas to develop strategies for ecological services, encompassing the establishment of restorative environmental management and visitor service management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chiang
- Department of Cultural Resources and Leisure Industries, The Teachers' College, National Taitung University, Taitung 95092, Taiwan
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27
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LoTemplio S, Bettmann JE, Scott E, Blumenthal E. Do Mental Health Changes in Nature Co-occur with Changes in Heartrate Variability and Executive Functioning? A Systematic Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:278-290. [PMID: 37516682 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Given the global burden of mental health issues, new solutions are needed to promote mental health. Nature exposure represents a promising option to promote mental health, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent frameworks have argued that changes in mental health in nature are caused by activity changes in the vagus nerve, which connects the heart and the brain, and that these changes also improve executive functioning (EF) abilities. This suggests that changes in mental health symptomology in nature should be accompanied by changes in vagus nerve activity, as well as changes in executive functioning. Yet, little work has systematically examined co-variation of these outcomes in empirical studies. The present manuscript systematically examines whether changes in mental health in nature are accompanied by changes in vagus nerve activity (approximated by heartrate variability) and changes in executive functioning. RECENT FINDINGS There is compelling evidence that spending time in nature can increase heartrate variability, improve mental health, and improve executive functioning. However, despite strong theoretical claims that these three outcomes should be linked after spending time in nature settings, few studies directly examine such co-occurrence. The study systematically examines whether studies that considered both mental health and executive functioning (n = 6) showed co-occurring effects in response to nature exposure. Similarly, the study also considers if studies examining mental health and heartrate variability (n = 6) showed similarly directional effects following nature exposure. This systematic review concludes with discussion about the limited number of studies (n =1) that include all three measures. We find mixed results of co-occurrence with these variables, suggesting that the relationship between these three constructs in nature may be more nuanced than current theory suggests. Perhaps more importantly, our results demonstrate that there is very little existing work linking changes in mental health to changes in EF and vagal tone. We conclude with justification for why it may be beneficial for researchers to include all three metrics as well as guidance on how to do so.
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Petitt E, Rolander B, Johnsson P. Medical Nature-Based Rehabilitation Program for Individuals with Exhaustion Syndrome: Changes in Quality of Life, Exhaustion Symptoms and Overall Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6677. [PMID: 37681817 PMCID: PMC10487912 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176677] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Stress-related health problems have increased sharply over the last two decades and have become a serious issue at all levels of society. In the Jönköping Region in southern Sweden, a nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) program for adults with Exhaustion Syndrome has been developed and then implemented into the Swedish National Healthcare System. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of this NBR-program. This was achieved by examining patients' quality of life, exhaustion symptoms and overall health using self-assessment instruments, comparing the results before participation to immediately after, three months after and six months after. With a sample size of 67 participants, the results show a statistically significant improvement for all points. From a public health perspective, and with background knowledge of the nature of the patient group under treatment, the studied program would appear to be effective and economic, having a satisfied patient group as well as a favourable comparison with the outcomes of other research programs. Although the results are promising, as this is a naturalistic field study, there is no control group, and further research is encouraged. We suggest randomised controlled studies, longitudinal studies and investigation of mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Petitt
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Bo Rolander
- Futurum—The Academy for Health and Care, Region Jönköping, 553 05 Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Per Johnsson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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29
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Rhee JH, Schermer B, Han G, Park SY, Lee KH. Effects of nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in indoor environment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13199. [PMID: 37580348 PMCID: PMC10425438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of natural exposure in an indoor environment on restorative quality and cognitive ability. Thirty participants were shown nature at three different indoor sites: baseline, indoor (some vegetation), and semi-indoor (a large amount of vegetation and view to sky) for five minutes. After viewing, they completed an assessment of restoration and a cognitive task, and their electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Compared to the baseline, the sites with nature resulted in restorative (higher perceived restoration scores) and cognitive (higher working memory performance and lower delta-to-theta ratio (DTR), delta-to-alpha ratio (DAR), theta-to-beta ratio (TBR), and alpha-to-beta ratio (ABR) responses) benefits. These findings further our understanding of the effects of exposure to nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in an indoor environment, and help to build guidance for future research on the effects of nature indoors and designing restorative- and cognitive-enhancing indoor spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Heon Rhee
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Institute of Engineering Research, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Brian Schermer
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gisung Han
- Institute of Engineering Research, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Kyung Hoon Lee
- Department of Architecture, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
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30
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Yoon JI, Lim S, Kim ML, Joo J. The relationship between perceived restorativeness and place attachment for hikers at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park in South Korea: the moderating effect of environmental sensitivity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1201112. [PMID: 37609498 PMCID: PMC10440692 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1201112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park provides visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreation and informs visitors of the environmental significance of the park's ecosystem. This study attempted to examine how the perceived restorativeness of park visitors influenced their place attachment. In addition, the moderating effect of environmental sensitivity on the hypothesized relationship was explored. Methods Using the purposive sampling method, 408 surveys were collected at Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park. The hypotheses were tested by confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and invariance tests using Lisrel 8.70. Results The results indicated that perceived restorativeness had a positive influence on place attachment (place identity and place dependence). Further, the hypothesized relationship was stronger for the visitors with higher environmental sensitivity, compared to those with weaker environmental sensitivity. Conclusion Park managers should consider ways to increase the perceived restorativeness of visitors as they experience the natural environment at the park. Also, since environmental sensitivity played an important role in shaping the perceived restorativeness-place attachment relationship, there is a need for educational programs that can inform visitors of the significance of the natural environment to increase their affection for nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee In Yoon
- Department of Coaching, College of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Soyoun Lim
- Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States
| | - Mi-Lyang Kim
- Department of Sport, Leisure and Recreation, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Jinyoung Joo
- Center for Happiness Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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31
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Tomasso LP, Spengler JD, Catalano PJ, Chen JT, Laurent JGC. In situ psycho-cognitive assessments support self-determined urban green exercise time. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2023; 86:128005. [PMID: 37483383 PMCID: PMC10358366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Prescribed nature walks frequently yield improvements to mood and cognition as observed in experimental studies. Research that uses real life settings such as self-determined time exercising outdoors for restorative health benefits may more accurately elicit effects than time-specified study protocols. This study examined in situ psycho-cognitive outcomes of routine walks in urban greenspace to test the concept that self-set exposure duration and not context alone is related to magnitude of psycho-cognitive benefit. Pre-post measurements taken on a diverse participant pool of individuals walking in urban parks and recruited on random days over a two-week period found significant associations between outdoor activity duration and cognitive and mood improvements. Greater outdoor walking duration linearly predicted stronger processing speeds but non-linearly in tests of other cognitive domains. Results of fixed effects model for mean mood change following green exercise show outdoor walking influenced mood change at highest levels of significance, even after accounting for individual level variability in duration. Mood improved for all durations of outdoor walking under a random effects model with high significance. Untethering fixed intervals of outdoor exercise from formal study design revealed briefer but more frequent nature engagement aligned with nature affinity. The influence of unmeasured factors, e.g., nature affinity or restorative conditioning, for prescriptive durations of urban green exercise merits further investigation toward designing wellbeing interventions directed at specific urban populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Powers Tomasso
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Population Health Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - John D. Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Paul J. Catalano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Jarvis T. Chen
- Population Health Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
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Fornara F, Rinallo E, Scopelliti M. Contact with Nature in Social Deprivation during COVID-19: The Positive Impact on Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND 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] [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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de Vries S, Hermans T, Langers F. Effects of indoor plants on office workers: a field study in multiple Dutch organizations. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1196106. [PMID: 37457080 PMCID: PMC10346441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1196106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the period 2019-2020, the effect of plants in the workspace on (a) the physical indoor climate, (b) the perception of the workspace by office workers, and (c) their health, well-being and functioning was investigated in nine organizations. This paper reports the outcomes of the latter part. A conceptual model describing the short-term, medium and long-term effect of plants on people was formulated, containing 18 outcome variables. A "Before After Control Impact" quasi-experimental research design was used. A control workspace and an intervention workspace were selected in each of the organizations. A pre-measurement was conducted in both. Correlational analyses, based on the pre-measurements in all organizations and workspaces, confirmed the associations proposed by the conceptual model to a large extent. After placing plants in the intervention workspace, a maximum of two post-intervention measurements were conducted (due to COVID-19 not in all nine organizations), the last one at least 4 months after the introduction of the plants. Overall significant effects were found on complaints about dry air (fewer), the sense of privacy (higher), the attractiveness of the workspace (higher), satisfaction with the workspace (greater) and having a health-related complaint, especially when at work (fewer). The first three effects were already observed in the analyses only including the first post-measurement. The latter two effects only showed up in the analyses including two post-measurements. No direct effect of the plants could be demonstrated on the 13 other outcome variables. The observed effects mainly concern outcome variables that are positioned at the beginning of the proposed causal chain, starting with plants and ending with mental health, absenteeism and job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjerp de Vries
- Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Cultural Geography Group (GEO), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Tia Hermans
- Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Fransje Langers
- Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Garrett JK, Rowney FM, White MP, Lovell R, Fry RJ, Akbari A, Geary R, Lyons RA, Mizen A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker C, Song J, Stratton G, Thompson DA, Watkins A, White J, Williams SA, Rodgers SE, Wheeler BW. Visiting nature is associated with lower socioeconomic inequalities in well-being in Wales. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9684. [PMID: 37322030 PMCID: PMC10272170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environments can promote well-being through multiple mechanisms. Many studies have investigated relationships between residential green/blue space (GBS) and well-being, fewer explore relationships with actual use of GBS. We used a nationally representative survey, the National Survey for Wales, anonymously linked with spatial GBS data to investigate associations of well-being with both residential GBS and time in nature (N = 7631). Both residential GBS and time spent in nature were associated with subjective well-being. Higher green-ness was associated with lower well-being, counter to hypotheses (predicting the Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): Enhanced vegetation index β = - 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 3.63, - 0.05) but time spent in nature was associated with higher well-being (four hours a week in nature vs. none β = 3.57, 95% CI 3.02, 4.13). There was no clear association between nearest GBS proximity and well-being. In support of the equigenesis theory, time spent in nature was associated with smaller socioeconomic inequalities in well-being. The difference in WEMWBS (possible range 14-70) between those who did and did not live in material deprivation was 7.7 points for those spending no time in nature, and less at 4.5 points for those spending time in nature up to 1 h per week. Facilitating access and making it easier for people to spend time in nature may be one way to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.
| | - Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Rich J Fry
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Amy Mizen
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Chrissie Parker
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Gareth Stratton
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, ASTEM Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Daniel A Thompson
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- Department of Population Data Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Gebhard
- Fakultät für Erziehungswissenschaft, AG 4, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501, Bielefeld, Deutschland.
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Mostajeran F, Steinicke F, Reinhart S, Stuerzlinger W, Riecke BE, Kühn S. Adding virtual plants leads to higher cognitive performance and psychological well-being in virtual reality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8053. [PMID: 37198210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown the positive effects of exposure to real and virtual nature. To investigate how such benefits might generalize to ever-more-prevalent virtual workplaces, we examined the effects of the absence or presence of virtual plants in an office environment in Virtual Reality (VR) on users' cognitive performance and psychological well-being. The results of our user study with 39 participants show that in the presence of virtual plants, participants performed significantly better in both short-term memory and creativity tasks. Furthermore, they reported higher psychological well-being scores, including positive affect and attentive coping, whilst reporting lower feelings of anger and aggression after exposure to virtual plants in VR. The virtual office with plants was also perceived as more restorative and induced a higher sense of presence. Overall, these results highlight how the presence of virtual plants in VR can have positive influences on users, and therefore, constitute important design considerations when developing future working and learning spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Mostajeran
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Steinicke
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Reinhart
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stuerzlinger
- VVISE Lab, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Bernhard E Riecke
- iSpace Lab, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Simone Kühn
- Neural Plasticity Group, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck-UCL Center for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, 14159, Berlin, Germany
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Horan KA, Harrington M, LeNoble CA, Mosher M, Pring T. Using Virtual Reality to Bring Restorative Environments to Employees: An Online Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105797. [PMID: 37239525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Employees face many demands throughout the workday. Participating in activities can help employees recover from the pressures of work, and physical activity and time spent in nature are among the most beneficial. Simulations of nature offer some of the benefits of actual contact with nature and can address some of the barriers to exercising outdoors that some employees may face. In this pilot study, we examine the influence of physical activity and virtual or actual nature contact on affect, boredom, and satisfaction when experienced during a break from a demanding work task. Twenty-five employed adults participated in an online study in which they completed a problem-solving task, completed a twenty-minute break, and then completed another session of the problem-solving task. During the break, participants were randomized to either a control condition, a physical activity and low-fidelity virtual nature contact condition, a physical activity and high-fidelity virtual nature contact condition, or a physical activity and actual nature contact condition. An examination of the means of affect, boredom, and satisfaction before, during, and after the break revealed that those in high-fidelity virtual nature and actual nature contact conditions seemed to report more positive well-being during the break. The results highlight that to help employees recover from work demands, it could be important to take breaks, be physically active, and have contact with nature, which should be simulated in high fidelity if actual nature contact cannot be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A Horan
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | - Maria Harrington
- Department of Games and Interactive Media, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
| | - Chelsea A LeNoble
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Matthew Mosher
- Department of Games and Interactive Media, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
| | - Thomas Pring
- Department of Games and Interactive Media, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
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Meneghetti C, Murroni V, Borella E, Melendugno A, Carbone E, Goldin G, Cavalli R, Basso A, Pazzaglia F. Psychological impacts of intervention to improve a therapeutic garden for older adults with dementia: a case study conducted at a care facility. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1183934. [PMID: 37234215 PMCID: PMC10206005 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1183934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to nature is known to support psychological wellbeing, and can support People with Dementia (PwD). Here we describe a case study conducted at a care facility for PwD to examine the effect of their exposure to nature after intervention to renovate an existing Therapeutic Garden (TG). Changes in frequency of attendance and behavior in the TG were examined. A single case was also considered to assess individual benefits. Materials and methods Twenty-one PwD participated in the study. Their behavior in the TG was observed for 4 weeks before and after the intervention (using behavioral mapping), and measures of individual characteristics (general cognitive functioning, behavioral/neuropsychiatric symptoms, depression, and quality of life) were administered. Results Ten of the 21 PwD visited the TG more often after the intervention, their social behaviors (e.g., talking to others) increased, and their active isolated behavior in the garden (e.g., smelling, touching flowers) tended to increase. The increase in social behavior related to less severe baseline depressive symptoms. Passive isolated behaviors related to more impaired baseline cognitive functioning. The case of Mrs. A extended the findings for the whole sample: although her dementia symptoms (apathy, motor disturbances) worsened, she visited the TG more often after the intervention, her social exchanges and active isolated actions increased, and her agitation and wandering decreased. Discussion These results support the benefits of exposure to nature for PwD, and underscore the importance of considering users' profiles to optimize their use of a TG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Inter-University Research Center in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Roma, Italy
| | - Veronica Murroni
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Goldin
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele Cavalli
- Department of Land Environment Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Pazzaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Inter-University Research Center in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Roma, Italy
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Pearson AL, Brown CD, Reuben A, Nicholls N, Pfeiffer KA, Clevenger KA. Elementary Classroom Views of Nature Are Associated with Lower Child Externalizing Behavior Problems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095653. [PMID: 37174172 PMCID: PMC10177887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to nature views has been associated with diverse mental health and cognitive capacity benefits. Yet, much of this evidence was derived in adult samples and typically only involves residential views of nature. Findings from studies with children suggest that when more greenness is available at home or school, children have higher academic performance and have expedited attention restoration, although most studies utilize coarse or subjective assessments of exposure to nature and largely neglect investigation among young children. Here, we investigated associations between objectively measured visible nature at school and children's behavior problems (attention and externalizing behaviors using the Brief Problem Monitor Parent Form) in a sample of 86 children aged seven to nine years old from 15 classrooms across three schools. Images of classroom windows were used to quantify overall nature views and views of specific nature types (sky, grass, tree, shrub). We fitted separate Tobit regression models to test associations between classroom nature views and attention and externalizing behaviors, accounting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, residential deprivation score, and residential nature views (using Google Street View imagery). We found that higher levels of visible nature from classroom windows were associated with lower externalizing behavior problem scores, after confounder adjustment. This relationship was consistent for visible trees, but not other nature types. No significant associations were detected for attention problems. This initial study suggests that classroom-based exposure to visible nature, particularly trees, could benefit children's mental health, with implications for landscape and school design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L Pearson
- Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Catherine D Brown
- Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Aaron Reuben
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Natalie Nicholls
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Karin A Pfeiffer
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kimberly A Clevenger
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Davidov A, Razumnikova O, Bakaev M. Nature in the Heart and Mind of the Beholder: Psycho-Emotional and EEG Differences in Perception of Virtual Nature Due to Gender. Vision (Basel) 2023; 7:vision7020030. [PMID: 37092463 PMCID: PMC10123600 DOI: 10.3390/vision7020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environment experiences in virtual reality (VR) can be a feasible option for people unable to connect with real nature. Existing research mostly focuses on health and emotional advantages of the “virtual nature” therapy, but studies of its neuropsychological effects related to visual perception are rare. In our experiment, 20 subjects watched nature-related video content in VR headsets (3D condition) and on a computer screen (2D condition). In addition to the gender factor, we considered the individual Environmental Identity Index (EID) and collected the self-assessment of the emotional state per the components of Valence, Arousal, and Dominance in each experimental condition. Besides the psychometric data, we also registered brainwave activity (EEG) and analyzed it with the 7 frequency bands. For EID, which was considerably higher in women, we found significant positive correlation with Valence (i.e., beneficial effect of the natural stimuli on the psycho-emotional status). At the same time, the analysis of the EEG data suggests a considerable impact of the VR immersion itself, with higher relaxation alpha effect in 3D vs. 2D condition in men. The novel and most pronounced effect of the gender factor was found in the relation between the EID and the EEG powers in the high-frequency bands—that is, positive correlation of these variables in women (0.64 < Rs < 0.74) but negative correlation in men (−0.66 < Rs < −0.72). Our results imply individually different and gender-dependent effects of the natural stimulus in VR. Correspondingly, the video and VR content development should consider this and aim to provide a user characteristics-tailored experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Davidov
- Department of Data Collection and Processing Systems, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga Razumnikova
- Department of Data Collection and Processing Systems, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Bakaev
- Department of Data Collection and Processing Systems, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Buczyłowska D, Zhao T, Singh N, Jurczak A, Siry A, Markevych I. Exposure to greenspace and bluespace and cognitive functioning in children - A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115340. [PMID: 36731600 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of greenspace and bluespace research in relation to cognitive outcomes is rapidly growing. Several systematic reviews have already been published on this topic but none of them are specific to cognitive outcomes in the entire age range of children. Moreover, only a few of them have examined the effects of bluespace in addition to greenspace. Also, theses reviews are focused either only on observational studies or experimental studies. Our systematic review focuses on cognitive outcomes in relation to greenspace and bluespace in children and adolescents aged 0-18; it captures both observational and experimental studies. Cognitive outcomes are presented according to an evidence-based taxonomy of human cognitive abilities: the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory. METHODS We conducted searches in the PubMed and PsychInfo databases, from their inception dates to 17 December 2021. We used three-text terms related to outcome, exposure, and population as well as MeSH terms for outcome and population. Further, the reference lists and existing reviews were searched ("snowball" search) until 21 April 2022 to detect additional studies. For the results reporting, we followed the updated guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA). We included observational and experimental studies on greenspace or bluespace exposure in relation to cognitive functioning, published in English, German, or Polish. Two reviewers independently checked study eligibility and extracted data. Two reviewers evaluated the risk of bias according to the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. At all stages, discrepancies between the two reviewers were solved via discussion with a third reviewer. RESULTS Records identified from PubMed (n = 2030) and PsycINFO (n = 1168) were deduplicated and screened. Twenty one reports were first selected. The "snowball" search revealed 16 additional reports. Altogether, 39 studies (17 experimental and 22 observational) published in 37 reports were qualified. The data extraction showed that the methodology used in the studies was heterogenous and the findings were inconsistent. The majority of the studies investigated attentional functioning, which we subdivided into two categories according to the CHC theory: attentional control and reaction and decision speed (12 studies) and attentional control and processing speed (10 studies). Eleven studies investigated working memory and/or short-term memory that we categorized as CHC working memory capacity. Nine studies investigated intellectual functioning, which we categorized as CHC general ability, fluid reasoning, and comprehension-knowledge. Two studies investigated visual-spatial skills, which we categorized as CHC visual processing and psychomotor speed. One study measured parent-reported attention; two studies examined early childhood/cognitive development; three studies examined decision-making and self-regulation, which can be categorized as several CHC theory abilities. DISCUSSION The heterogeneity of the included studies does not permit clear conclusions for our review. In accordance with previous systematic reviews, greenspace and bluespace were not more strongly related to a particular domain of cognitive functioning than other cognitive domains, and no effects of age or type of exposure assessment on the association between nature and cognition were detected. Further research is needed, including state-of-the-art of assessment of cognitive outcomes and diverse exposure assessment methods within both observational and experimental approaches. Expertise will be required in several domains, such as environmental epidemiology, cognitive psychology, and neuropsychology. Systematic review registration number (INPLASY): 202220018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nitika Singh
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Jurczak
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Siry
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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Saenen ND, Nawrot TS, Hautekiet P, Wang C, Roels HA, Dadvand P, Plusquin M, Bijnens EM. Residential green space improves cognitive performances in primary schoolchildren independent of traffic-related air pollution exposure. Environ Health 2023; 22:33. [PMID: 36998070 PMCID: PMC10061992 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive performances of schoolchildren have been adversely associated with both recent and chronic exposure to ambient air pollution at the residence. In addition, growing evidence indicates that exposure to green space is associated with a wide range of health benefits. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if surrounding green space at the residence improves cognitive performance of primary schoolchildren while taking into account air pollution exposure. METHODS Cognitive performance tests were administered repeatedly to a total of 307 primary schoolchildren aged 9-12y, living in Flanders, Belgium (2012-2014). These tests covered three cognitive domains: attention (Stroop and Continuous Performance Tests), short-term memory (Digit Span Forward and Backward Tests), and visual information processing speed (Digit-Symbol and Pattern Comparison Tests). Green space exposure was estimated within several radii around their current residence (50 m to 2000 m), using a aerial photo-derived high-resolution (1 m2) land cover map. Furthermore, air pollution exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 during the year before examination was modelled for the child's residence using a spatial-temporal interpolation method. RESULTS An improvement of the children's attention was found with more residential green space exposure independent of traffic-related air pollution. For an interquartile range increment (21%) of green space within 100 m of the residence, a significantly lower mean reaction time was observed independent of NO2 for both the sustained-selective (-9.74 ms, 95% CI: -16.6 to -2.9 ms, p = 0.006) and the selective attention outcomes (-65.90 ms, 95% CI: -117.0 to -14.8 ms, p = 0.01). Moreover, green space exposure within a large radius (2000 m) around the residence was significantly associated with a better performance in short-term memory (Digit-Span Forward Test) and a higher visual information processing speed (Pattern Comparison Test), taking into account traffic-related exposure. However, all associations were attenuated after taking into account long-term residential PM2.5 exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our panel study showed that exposure to residential surrounding green space was associated with better cognitive performances at 9-12 years of age, taking into account traffic-related air pollution exposure. These findings support the necessity to build attractive green spaces in the residential environment to promote healthy cognitive development in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Pauline Hautekiet
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Ciber On Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
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Psychological Benefits of Attending Forest School for Preschool Children: a Systematic Review. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10648-023-09750-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
AbstractForest school is a form of outdoor learning that takes children into regular and repeated learning experiences in natural settings. Being based on a comprehensive experience with nature, it is assumed to be beneficial for learning and to promote restorative effects on cognitive and emotional function in preschool children. This review aimed to examine the available evidence on the benefits of forest school compared to indoor school activities in children aged 3 to 6 years. We searched for studies on forest school for preschool children in PsycInfo, JSTOR, and Scopus, with no restriction on publication year. The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs’s criteria for quasi-experimental design. Of the 190 articles identified, 16 studies were reviewed (N = 1560). Higher benefits were found in children attending forest school compared to those attending indoor school in various areas of child development: cognitive function, motor coordination and balance, connectedness to nature, and health and well-being outcomes. There is, however, still a shortage of empirical evidence, and the methodological quality of most studies was limited. The literature on forest schools for preschool children in general supports positive effects in a wide range of variables that promote child health and development, but more evidence is needed to assess their effectiveness. Due to the methodological weaknesses of the reviewed studies, one should interpret their findings with caution.
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Sella E, Meneghetti C, Muffato V, Borella E, Carbone E, Cavalli R, Pazzaglia F. The influence of individual characteristics on perceived restorativeness and benefits associated with exposure to nature in a garden. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1130915. [PMID: 36910756 PMCID: PMC9995947 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1130915] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study newly explored the relationship between individual characteristics (i.e., connectedness to nature, a preference for natural rather than built environments, personality, visuospatial preferences) with perceived restorativeness, as well as affective and memory-related benefits of exposure to the nature. Eighty adults were individually exposed to nature by walking in a landscape garden. Measures of connectedness to nature, preference for natural environments, personality traits, and visuospatial preferences were administered. Before and after walking in the garden, participants completed measures of affect (positive and negative emotions) and memory (short-term and working memory, and spatial memory). After walking they completed a Perceived Restorativeness scale. Perceived Restorativeness was found to be significantly explained by Extraversion (personality trait) and Connectedness to Nature. There was no significant influence of individual characteristics on benefits to affect and memory measures. Overall, the results showed that perception of the restorative effect of a natural environment is related to connectedness to nature and personality (extraversion trait). Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of considering individual characteristics to better capture restorative/recovery effects of a natural environment in an individual, and to tailor/implement nature-based solutions to ensure a sustainable urban green environment and to promote quality of life for their citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Sella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Muffato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Raffaele Cavalli
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture, and Forestry, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Pazzaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Interuniversity Research Centre in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Rome, Italy
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Vella SA, Aidman E, Teychenne M, Smith JJ, Swann C, Rosenbaum S, White RL, Lubans DR. Optimising the effects of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing: A joint consensus statement from Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Psychological Society. J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:132-139. [PMID: 36737260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This consensus statement from Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Psychological Society aims to provide guidance to practitioners on the ways that physical activity can be promoted to maximise benefits to mental health. METHODS Following the Clinical Consensus Statement protocol, an expert group comprised of eight members with expertise in physical activity and mental health articulated recommendations regarding five physical activity contextual factors: type, physical environment, delivery, domain, and social environment. RESULTS To optimise the mental health benefits of physical activity, we recommend: i) activity selection be guided by factors associated with adherence and enjoyment as opposed to any specific type (type); ii) facilitators (i.e., teachers, coaches, instructors, practitioners) deliver organised physical activity sessions using an instructional style that satisfies individuals' basic needs for autonomy, competence and social connection (delivery); iii) participation in physical activity with others who provide support, facilitate positive interactions, or make people feel valued, so long as it does not undermine a preference to be active alone (social environment); iv) where possible and appropriate, some physical activity should be undertaken outside in pleasant natural environments (physical environment); and, v) at least some physical activity be undertaken during leisure-time or via active travel, where possible prioritising activities one personally chooses to undertake (domain). CONCLUSIONS The type, domain, physical and social environment of physical activity, as well as the way in which it is delivered, will determine mental health outcomes. Practitioners can use these recommendations to optimise the effects of physical activity on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart A Vella
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Eugene Aidman
- Division of Human and Decision Sciences, Defence Science and Technology Group, Australia,; School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Megan Teychenne
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Australia
| | - Jordan J Smith
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australia
| | - Christian Swann
- Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research Theme, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, and Australia Manna Institute, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, 2450, Australia
| | | | | | - David R Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australia; Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
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Baird A, Candy B, Flouri E, Tyler N, Hassiotis A. The Association between Physical Environment and Externalising Problems in Typically Developing and Neurodiverse Children and Young People: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2549. [PMID: 36767909 PMCID: PMC9916018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032549] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The physical environment is of critical importance to child development. Understanding how exposure to physical environmental domains such as greenspace, urbanicity, air pollution or noise affects aggressive behaviours in typical and neurodiverse children is of particular importance given the significant long-term impact of those problems. In this narrative review, we investigated the evidence for domains of the physical environment that may ameliorate or contribute to the display of aggressive behaviours. We have considered a broad range of study designs that include typically developing and neurodiverse children and young people aged 0-18 years. We used the GRADE system to appraise the evidence. Searches were performed in eight databases in July 2020 and updated in June 2022. Additional articles were further identified by hand-searching reference lists of included papers. The protocol for the review was preregistered with PROSPERO. Results: We retrieved 7174 studies of which 67 are included in this review. The studies reported on green space, environmental noise and music, air pollution, meteorological effects, spatial density, urban or rural setting, and interior home elements (e.g., damp/sensory aspects/colour). They all used well validated parent and child reported measures of aggressive behaviour. Most of the studies were rated as having low or unclear risk of bias. As expected, noise, air pollution, urbanicity, spatial density, colour and humidity appeared to increase the display of aggressive behaviours. There was a dearth of studies on the role of the physical environment in neurodiverse children. The studies were heterogeneous and measured a range of aggressive behaviours from symptoms to full syndromes. Greenspace exposure was the most common domain studied but certainty of evidence for the association between environmental exposures and aggression problems in the child or young person was low across all domains. We found a large knowledge gap in the literature concerning neurodiverse children, which suggests that future studies should focus on these children, who are also more likely to experience adverse early life experiences including living in more deprived environments as well as being highly vulnerable to the onset of mental ill health. Such research should also aim to dis-aggregate the underlying aetiological mechanisms for environmental influences on aggression, the results of which may point to pathways for public health interventions and policy development to address inequities that can be relevant to ill health in neurodiverse young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alister Baird
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK
| | - Bridget Candy
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Institute of Education, Psychology and Human Development, University College London, London WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Nick Tyler
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, UK
| | - Angela Hassiotis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK
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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] [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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Effects of exposure to immersive computer-generated virtual nature and control environments on affect and cognition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:220. [PMID: 36604527 PMCID: PMC9815073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that exposure to immersive virtual nature environments is able to induce positive affective and physiological effects. However, research on the effects on cognitive performance is scarce. Additionally, the effects of virtual nature exposure compared to a virtual control environment with a comparable amount of virtual objects have not been examined so far. Therefore, we conducted an experiment with 27 participants to study the psychological effects of such exposure. The virtual nature consisted of a 3D model of a typical forest environment, whereas the control environment was an abstract replication of the virtual forest environment. In both environments, a virtual wooden cart was used to transport the users from the start to the end of the virtual road. The typical background noise of moving such a cart was integrated into both environments as well. In addition, the virtual nature environment included typical forest sounds in the background, whereas the control condition did not have such background sounds. Both environments were compared with regard to their effects on cognitive performance (using trail making tests (TMTA, TMTB, and TMTB-A) as well as digit span forward and digit span backward tests), perceived restorativeness, mood, stress, sense of presence, and simulator sickness. The results showed that in comparison to the control environment, exposure to the virtual nature resulted in significantly higher cognitive performance, higher perceived restorativeness, higher positive affect, higher sense of presence, lower perceived stress, and lower simulator sickness.
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The impact of screen exposure on attention abilities in young children: a systematic review. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 142:76-88. [PMID: 37001326 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurocognitive consequences of exposure to screens in school-aged children have been the subject of multiple studies. However, the relationship between screen exposure and neurocognitive development, especially attentional functions, remains unclear in preschool children. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the immediate and long-term impact of screen exposure on attentional functions in preschoolers. METHODS Three electronic databases (PubMed, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS) were searched for studies published between January 1, 2000, and November 30, 2020. Two reviewers independently selected studies. Inclusion criteria were observational studies, inclusion of children aged less than seven years with no neurodevelopmental disorders, evaluation of screen time, and evaluation of attentional functions. Data extracted including participants' ages, number of participants, screen exposure time, attention assessment tool, and confounding factors. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Five cross-sectional studies were included: all reported significant, positive associations between high levels of screen exposure and attention difficulties. Ten longitudinal studies were included: six found a significant impact of earlier screen exposure on subsequent attentional function and four found no relationship. Eight of the studies included evaluated the direction of the relationship between screen exposure and attentional difficulties: seven suggested the relationship is bidirectional. CONCLUSIONS These findings support current guidelines to limit screen time in preschoolers to prevent the development of attention difficulties.
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Astell-Burt T, Hipp JA, Gatersleben B, Adlakha D, Marselle M, Olcoń K, Pappas E, Kondo M, Booth G, Bacon S, Lem M, Francois M, Halcomb E, Moxham L, Davidson P, Feng X. Need and Interest in Nature Prescriptions to Protect Cardiovascular and Mental Health: A Nationally-Representative Study With Insights for Future Randomised Trials. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:114-123. [PMID: 36588036 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE "Nature prescriptions" are increasingly being adopted by health sectors as an adjunct to standard care to attend to health and social needs. We investigated levels of need and interest in nature prescriptions in adults with cardiovascular diseases, psychological distress and concomitants (e.g. physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, obesity, loneliness, burn-out). METHODS A nationally-representative survey of 3,319 adults across all states and territories of Australia was completed in February 2021 (response 84.0%). Participants were classified across 15 target groups using validated health indicators and surveyed on (1) time and frequency of visits to green and blue spaces (nature spaces), (2) interest in a nature prescription, and (3) potential confounders (e.g. age, income). Analyses were done using weighted logistic regressions. RESULTS The sample was 50.5% female, 52.0% were aged ≥45 years, 15.2% were living alone and 19.3% were born overseas in non-English-speaking countries. Two-thirds of the sample spent 2 hours or more a week in nature, but these levels were generally lower in target groups (e.g. 57.7% in adults with type 2 diabetes). Most participants (81.9%) were interested in a nature prescription, even among those spending fewer than 2 hours a week in nature (76.4%). For example, 2 hours a week or more in nature was lowest among sedentary adults (36.9%) yet interest in nature prescriptions in this group was still high (74.0%). Lower levels of nature contact in target groups was not explained by differences in access to or preference for local nature spaces. CONCLUSIONS High levels of interest in nature prescriptions amid low levels of nature contact in many target health groups provides impetus for developing randomised trials of interventions that enable people to spend more time in nature. These findings can inform intervention co-design processes with a wide range of community stakeholders, end-users in target health groups, and the health professionals who support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Astell-Burt
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - J Aaron Hipp
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Center for Geospatial Analytics, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Birgitta Gatersleben
- Environmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Melissa Marselle
- Environmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Katarzyna Olcoń
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Evangelos Pappas
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Kondo
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Philadelphia Field Station, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gillian Booth
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Bacon
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Melissa Lem
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Monique Francois
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Halcomb
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorna Moxham
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Patricia Davidson
- The Vice-Chancellor's Unit (P.M.D.), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The George Institute of Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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