Nature Does Not Always Give You a Helping Hand: Comparing the Prosocial Effects of Nature at Different Resource and Security Levels

On the relationship between green space and civic engagement: The roles of well-being, outgroup trust, and activity level

Much research has been devoted to the positive effect of green space on prosociality, but little is known about its impact on civic engagement. It is also unclear how the effect takes place. This research fills the voids by regressing 2440 US citizen's civic engagement on the vegetation density and park area in their neighborhoods. It further examines if the effect is due to changes in well-being, interpersonal trust, or activity level. Park area predicts higher civic engagement, which is mediated by higher trust in outgroups. However, the data is inconclusive about the effect of vegetation density and the well-being mechanism. In contrast to the activity hypothesis, the effect of parks on civic engagement is stronger in unsafe neighborhoods, suggesting that they are valuable resources to combat neighborhood problems. The results bring insights into how individuals and communities can benefit the most from green spaces in the neighborhood.

Toward a social ecology of prosociality: why, when, and where nature enhances social connection

A vast literature in social psychology documents that people's actions are influenced by their social environment (e.g., other people). But how are people affected by the relatively 'asocial' natural environment? We review a growing body of evidence finding that nature can enhance social connection. Incidental exposure to the natural environment can increase attention to others, facilitate collective engagement, and enhance prosociality--tendencies to care for, help, and assist others. We discuss how nature enhances connecting to others, in part, via awe and beauty. We conclude by analyzing boundary conditions, discussing the social implications of environmental decline, and outlining pressing questions for future research.