Are some natural environments more psychologically beneficial than others? The importance of type and quality on connectedness to nature and psychological restoration

Wyles, KJ, White, MP, Hattam, C, Pahl, S, King, H and Austen, MC 2017 Are some natural environments more psychologically beneficial than others? The importance of type and quality on connectedness to nature and psychological restoration. Environment and Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916517738312

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Abstract/Summary

Exposure to nature can strengthen an individual’s sense of connectedness (i.e., emotional/cognitive bonds to the natural world) and enhance psychological restoration (e.g., feeling relaxed/refreshed). To date there have been few large studies looking at the role type and quality of natural environments may have on these outcomes. The present study used data from a large survey in England (sample analyzed = 4,515), which asked participants to recall a recent visit to nature. After controlling for covariates, respondents recalled greater connectedness to nature and restoration following visits to rural and coastal locations compared to urban green-space, and to sites of higher environmental quality (operationalized by protected/designated area status e.g., Nature Reserves). A series of structural equation analyses provided evidence for a bidirectional association between connectedness and restoration. Consideration of the psychological benefits associated with different types and quality of environment has implications for human health, environmental management, and conservation.

Item Type: Publication - Article
Divisions: Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Sea and Society
Depositing User: Dr Caroline Hattam
Date made live: 26 Apr 2018 15:27
Last Modified: 25 Apr 2020 09:59
URI: https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/7839

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