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Into the Woods or a Stroll in the Park: How Virtual Contact with Nature Impacts Positive and Negative Affect

Author

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  • Elizabeth McAllister

    (School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia)

  • Navjot Bhullar

    (School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia)

  • Nicola S. Schutte

    (School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia)

Abstract

This study examined the effects of virtual contact with nature on positive and negative affect, and investigated the psychological process of perceived restorativeness as a mediator of this relationship. A sample of 220 Australians aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 49.07, SD = 14.34, female = 72%) participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three experimental conditions experienced through video presentations: (1) ‘wild’ nature, (2) ‘urban’ nature, and (3) non-nature control. They then completed measures of perceived restorativeness as well as positive and negative affect. Compared to the non-nature control condition, the experience of wild nature resulted in significantly higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect. The experience of urban nature resulted in significantly lower levels of negative affect only compared to the non-nature control video. Experience of wild and urban nature resulted in greater perceptions of restorativeness as compared to the non-nature control video. Restorativeness was a significant underlying psychological mediating path through which nature experience exerted its influence on affect. These results have the potential to inform nature-based green care interventions for mental health as well as for urban planning to maximize beneficial effects of natural environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth McAllister & Navjot Bhullar & Nicola S. Schutte, 2017. "Into the Woods or a Stroll in the Park: How Virtual Contact with Nature Impacts Positive and Negative Affect," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:7:p:786-:d:104648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shanahan, D.F. & Lin, B.B. & Bush, R. & Gaston, K.J. & Dean, J.H. & Barber, E. & Fuller, R.A., 2015. "Toward improved public health outcomes from urban nature," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(3), pages 470-477.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dan Wang & Hsi-Lin Liu & Ching-Cheng Shen, 2022. "Exploring the Influence of Perceived Epidemic Severity and Risk on Well-Being in Nature-Based Tourism—Taking China’s Post-1990 Generation as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Saekyung Park & Youngsang Kwon, 2023. "A Study on Pedestrians’ Satisfaction and Preferences for Green Patterns according to the Sidewalk Width Using VR: The Case of Seoul, South Korea," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Abbas Smiley & William Ramos & Layne Elliott & Stephen Wolter, 2020. "Comparing the Trail Users with Trail Non-Users on Physical Activity, Sleep, Mood and Well-Being Index," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-13, August.
    4. Sujin Park & Eunsoo Kim & Geonwoo Kim & Soojin Kim & Yeji Choi & Domyung Paek, 2022. "What Activities in Forests Are Beneficial for Human Health? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-29, February.
    5. Keyan Chen & Yan Xu & Kaiyuan Zhan & Yangshuo Gao & Xiangcai Xie, 2024. "Exploring the Relationship between Key Perceptual Elements of Urban Secondary Wilderness and Its Restorative Benefits," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-22, August.
    6. Reo Jones & Robin Tarter & Amy Miner Ross, 2021. "Greenspace Interventions, Stress and Cortisol: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-21, March.
    7. Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.

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