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Published on: June 19, 2019
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Walking in nature may improve affect but not cognition
Janet P Trammell1, Jennifer A Harriger1, Elizabeth J Krumrei-Mancuso1
1Seaver College, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|January 22, 2024
Summary
Walking in nature boosts positive feelings and reduces negative ones, but doesn't significantly improve cognitive functions like attention or memory, unlike urban or indoor walks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Human Affect
Background:
- Natural environments are known to benefit mood, but their impact on cognitive functions remains less clear.
- Previous research shows mixed results regarding the cognitive benefits of nature exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different environments on affect and cognitive performance.
- To compare cognitive and affective responses to nature walks versus urban and indoor walks.
Main Methods:
- 188 undergraduates participated in walks in either a natural outdoor setting, an urban outdoor setting, or an indoor treadmill setting.
- Affective states and cognitive functions (attention, working memory, executive function, memory recall/recognition) were measured before and after the walks.
Main Results:
- The nature environment significantly increased positive affect and decreased negative affect compared to urban and indoor settings.
- No significant differences in cognitive performance were observed across the three environmental conditions.
Conclusions:
- While nature walks enhance emotional well-being, they do not consistently improve cognitive functions.
- Affective and cognitive benefits from nature exposure may not always occur simultaneously.
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