The restorative benefits of interacting with nature: Cognitive and neuroscientific perspectives

Abstract

For centuries people have had the intuition that interacting with nature is good for us. The question is whether this intuition is true and how or why interacting with nature can be good for us. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) provides a theoretical framework to explain how and why interacting with nature can be beneficial for cognitive functioning. A series of experiments will be presented with results that support ART, namely that interacting with nature can restore the ability to direct attention. In addition to ART, other theories will be presented that posit additional reasons why interacting with nature is beneficial. Lastly, future experimental directions will be presented to understand more fully just how and why interacting with nature can be beneficial psychologically--and integrated into psychological treatments. Results from these experiments provide compelling reasons for safeguarding the natural environment and providing safe access to restorative green spaces. Access to these psychological benefits can also enhance the outcomes of psychological treatments. (PsycEXTRA Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)