Physical nature enhances creativity, while virtual nature strengthens creative self-concept

Enhancing creativity is essential in educational and professional settings. While previous research has demonstrated that physical nature can boost creativity by supporting cognitive restoration, this study explores the effects of both physical nature and virtual nature exposure on creativity. It specifically examines how these environments influence participants' creative abilities and self-perceived creative identity and compares the relative impact of physical nature vs. virtual nature exposure on creativity. A total of 64 university students in the United States from diverse academic backgrounds were assigned to one of two conditions: exposed to physical nature or virtual nature. Creativity, self-perceived creativity, and restorative perceptions were assessed using the Alternative Uses Task (AUT), Short Scale of Creative Self (SSCS), and Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS). A linear mixed model (LMM) and paired t-tests analyzed changes over time and between groups. Results showed a significant increase in creativity over time in the physical nature group. Both groups reported higher SSCS, with virtual nature participants showing a slightly larger increase. Creativity improvements were positively correlated with restorative outcomes, regardless of nature type. These findings highlight the unique role of physical nature in enhancing divergent thinking while also pointing to the potential of virtual nature to strengthen creative self-concept.