The Role of Connectedness to Nature

Review of literature

Review of literature

For this entry I decided to have a look at some environmental literature. Why Is Nature Beneficial? The Role of Connectedness to Nature (Mayer, Frantz, Bruehlman-Senecal & Dolliver. 2009). First of all I chose this piece of literature because I find this interesting and enjoyed reading it through and through, here is the small abstract about the paper:

“ Three studies examine the effects of exposure to nature on positive affect and ability to reflect on a life problem. Participants spent 15 minutes walking in natural setting (studies 1,2 &3), an urban setting (Study 1), or watching videos of natural and urban settings (Studies 2 &3). In all three studies, exposure to nature increased connectedness to nature, attention capacity, positive emotions, and ability to reflect on a life problem; these effects are more dramatic for actual nature than for virtual nature. Meditational analysis indicate that positive effects of exposure to nature are partially mediated by increases in connectedness to nature and are not meditated by increases in attentional capacity. The discussion focuses on the mechanisms that underline the exposure to nature/well-being effects.”      

 Mayer et al (2009)

This journal provides important information, more notably the beneficial mechanisms in nature of which there are 5;

·         Recovery from stress and attention fatigue

·         Encouragement to exercise

·         Facilitating social contact

·         Encourage optimal development and a sense of purpose

·         Providing opportunities for personal development and a sense of purpose

Of these 5 potential mediators, this study predominately looks in to recovery from stress and attention fatigue. The discussion points towards our need for nature (Connectedness to nature). This study indicates that nature can be beneficial for us, but goes on to say that in this particular study that it dealt with small life problems. Does this mean that nature has limits? This could lead on the theory that the bigger the problem the more time is needed in nature.

This study has found a sixth potential mediator, the exposure to nature/well-being effect through a full meditational analysis. The journal continues on to state that as a race we have been associated with nature since then beginning, and its only in the last portion that this has changed. In turn leading to negative feelings in current urban environments, and the change in positivity when returning to nature.

The literature concluded with its third goal, which was to see if there was a difference between actual and virtual nature. They concluded that a virtual walk through the woods could not compare with the real thing. What was stated next, I took particular interest in. The next section went into the future of virtual nature and the progression of it, not everyone has access to a forest or park on a regular basis so obviously a virtual environment has to be the next thing. For example for those who use gyms may have noticed that on selected cycle ergometers they have screens attached and audio plugs. This can be seen as an attempt to introduce nature into a busy environment and potentially engaging the subject longer.

For those sci-fi fans, the use of holographic forests and nature parks have been used in healing and relieving stress of their beloved heroes. This is something I can see happening in the future with the progression and understanding of the technology.

Reference

Mayer. F. S., Frantz. M. C., Bruehlman-Senecal. E., Dolliver. K.. (2009). Why Is Nature Beneficial? The Role of Connectedness to Nature. Environment and Behavior. 41 (5), p607-643.