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Physiological Effects of Visual Stimulation with Forest Imagery
Chorong Song1, Harumi Ikei2,3, Yoshifumi Miyazaki4
1Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan. crsong1028@chiba-u.jp.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 27, 2018
Summary
Viewing forest imagery significantly reduced right prefrontal cortex activity and increased feelings of comfort and relaxation in female students. This suggests nature visuals positively impact brain and autonomic nervous system responses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- The impact of natural environments on human well-being is increasingly recognized.
- Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind nature's restorative effects is crucial for public health.
- Previous research suggests visual stimuli from nature can influence mood and stress levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of viewing forest imagery on brain activity and autonomic nervous system function.
- To compare the effects of forest imagery with urban imagery as a control stimulus.
- To assess subjective feelings associated with viewing different visual environments.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen female university students participated in the study.
- Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy measured oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in the prefrontal cortex.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) analyzed autonomic nervous system activity (parasympathetic and sympathetic).
- Participants viewed forest and city images, with brain activity and HRV monitored.
Main Results:
- Forest imagery significantly decreased oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations in the right prefrontal cortex.
- Viewing forest scenes led to a significant increase in subjective feelings of being "comfortable," "relaxed," and "natural."
- No significant changes were reported for the control (city) imagery condition.
Conclusions:
- Visual stimulation with forest imagery demonstrates a calming effect on the brain's prefrontal cortex.
- Nature-based visual stimuli can positively modulate autonomic nervous system responses and subjective well-being.
- These findings support the use of forest imagery in therapeutic or stress-reduction interventions.
Keywords:
autonomic nervous activityforest imageryforest therapyheart rate variabilitynear-infrared spectroscopyphysiological relaxationprefrontal cortex activitypreventive medical effectsemantic differential methodshinrin-yokuMore Related Videos
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