Are Some Natural Environments More Psychologically Beneficial Than Others? The Importance of Type and Quality on Connectedness to Nature and Psychological Restoration

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 that type and quality of natural env...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environment and behavior 2019-02, Vol.51 (2), p.111-143
Main Authors: Wyles, Kayleigh J., White, Mathew P., Hattam, Caroline, Pahl, Sabine, King, Haney, Austen, Melanie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bidirectionality
Cognitive ability
Connectedness
Conservation
Environmental management
Environmental quality
Natural environment
Nature
Nature reserves
Parks & recreation areas
Psychological aspects
Resource management
Restoration
Rural communities
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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 that 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 with urban green space, and to sites of higher environmental quality (operationalized by protected/designated area status, for example, 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.
ISSN:0013-9165
1552-390X
DOI:10.1177/0013916517738312