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An Experimental Exploration of the Effects of Exposure to Images of Nature on Rumination

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  • Sarah Elizabeth Golding

    (School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

  • Birgitta Gatersleben

    (School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

  • Mark Cropley

    (School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

Abstract

Exposure to natural environments has been shown to have beneficial effects on mood. Rumination is a thinking style associated with negative mood, and sometimes depression, and is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts, often with a negative emotional element. This study investigated whether exposure to nature, operationalized using photographs presented as a slideshow, could aid reduction in levels of state rumination. An experimental, within-between (Time x Condition) participant design was used; participants ( n = 58) undertook a presentation task designed to induce rumination and influence mood. Participants were then randomly allocated to either: watch a slideshow of a natural environment, watch a slideshow of an urban environment, or wait patiently with no distractions. Data were collected at baseline, after the presentation, and after the slideshow. Environmental exposure had no effect on levels of rumination or negative mood, but did have a significant effect on levels of positive mood, ‘being away’, and ‘fascination’. Positive mood declined in those who saw the urban slideshow, but remained the same in those who saw the nature slideshow, whilst levels of being away and fascination were highest in those who saw the nature slideshow. This study extends previous restorative environment research by exploring the effects of nature on rumination.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Elizabeth Golding & Birgitta Gatersleben & Mark Cropley, 2018. "An Experimental Exploration of the Effects of Exposure to Images of Nature on Rumination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:300-:d:131053
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J. Pretty & J. Peacock & R. Hine & M. Sellens & N. South & M. Griffin, 2007. "Green exercise in the UK countryside: Effects on health and psychological well-being, and implications for policy and planning," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(2), pages 211-231.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daphne Meuwese & Jolanda Maas & Lydia Krabbendam & Karin Dijkstra, 2021. "Viewing Nature Lets Your Mind Run Free: Three Experiments about the Influence of Viewing a Nature Video on Cognitive Coping with Psychological Distress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Erica R. Timko Olson & Margaret M. Hansen & Amber Vermeesch, 2020. "Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku: Potential for Physiological and Psychological Interventions during Uncertain Times," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-13, December.
    3. 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.
    4. Nelson Grima & Will Corcoran & Corinne Hill-James & Benjamin Langton & Haley Sommer & Brendan Fisher, 2020. "The importance of urban natural areas and urban ecosystem services during the COVID-19 pandemic," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Shuai Wang & Huilan Jing & Liang Chen & Yan Li, 2020. "The Influence of Negative Life Events on Suicidal Ideation in College Students: The Role of Rumination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-12, April.

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