by Eun Yeong Choe, Anna Jorgensen, David Sheffield; Journal of Environmental Psychology (2020)
This study assesses the effectiveness of incorporating the beneficial effects of exposure to nature into a 3-week awareness program. Participants (n = 122) were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups (awareness, relaxation group) under various simulated environmental conditions (two natural environments, two non-natural) during a three-week program. Participants in the awareness group were asked to participate in a weekly program of an hourly awareness. Instead, the relaxation group dedicated an hour a week to relaxation activities at its choice (e.g. reading books or magazines). The participants’ wellness levels and the connection with nature were measured before and after three weeks’ intervention and a week’s follow-up. The results show that the awareness program was more effective if carried out in a natural environment. In addition, the awareness group conducted in natural environment continued to improve even after completion of the program. This study offers valuable information on the benefits of combining a wellness practice with exposure to nature.
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