Nature Connectedness Moderates the Effect of Nature Exposure on Explicit and Implicit Measures of Emotion

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Title: Nature Connectedness Moderates the Effect of Nature Exposure on Explicit and Implicit Measures of Emotion
Identifier: fac_pubs/45
Date: 4/1/2018
Abstract: Previous research indicates that both short-term and long-term exposure to natural environments is associated with higher levels of emotional well-being. However, less research has examined whether person-related factors may impact the salutogenic effects of nature. In the current study, we examined whether trait-level nature connectedness moderates the effect of exposure to nature on explicit and implicit measures of affect. Participants (n = 89) completed baseline measurements of trait nature connectedness and affective state. Approximately two weeks later, participants viewed a lab-based immersive simulation of either a natural or built environment and then again completed measures of affective state. Findings indicated that trait nature connectedness moderated the effect of nature on affect, with more positive outcomes of nature exposure observed among those high in nature connectedness. These findings suggest that interacting with nature may be especially beneficial for those who already feel a strong sense of connectedness to the natural environment.
Publisher: Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing
Language: eng
Type: Text
department or school name within institution: Psychological Sciences
Source: Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing
page start: 1
page end: 21
Creator: Ethan McMahan
Subject: Connectedness to nature; natural environments; emotion; well-being