A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Mindful engagement, psychological restoration, and connection with nature in constrained nature experiences
Highlights We examine mindfulness in urban nature, restoration, and nature connection. We synthesise mechanisms underpinning mindfulness in nature and positive outcomes. We identify three mechanisms: perceptual sensitivity, decentering, and non-reactivity. We apply a model of mindful engagement in nature to constrained nature experiences. Understanding these mechanisms can inform nature experience interventions and design.
Abstract Research indicates that heightened individual engagement in nature can improve psychological benefits of nature experiences, yet the current literature lacks robust consideration for how this occurs. Constrained nature experiences – such as busy, noisy urban environments – may undermine individual capacities to engage with nature, prompting the question of how engagement functions across different nature experiences. To address this gap, we draw on mindfulness as a framework to examine the pathways in which engagement in nature supports psychological restoration and connection with nature. We appraise existing literature and identify three key mechanisms underpinning mindful engagement in nature: perceptual sensitivity, decentering, and non-reactivity. This new framework provides a basis to examine mindful engagement in constrained nature experiences, where we find that the self-regulatory mechanisms of mindful engagement have a more direct role in supporting outcomes.
Mindful engagement, psychological restoration, and connection with nature in constrained nature experiences
Highlights We examine mindfulness in urban nature, restoration, and nature connection. We synthesise mechanisms underpinning mindfulness in nature and positive outcomes. We identify three mechanisms: perceptual sensitivity, decentering, and non-reactivity. We apply a model of mindful engagement in nature to constrained nature experiences. Understanding these mechanisms can inform nature experience interventions and design.
Abstract Research indicates that heightened individual engagement in nature can improve psychological benefits of nature experiences, yet the current literature lacks robust consideration for how this occurs. Constrained nature experiences – such as busy, noisy urban environments – may undermine individual capacities to engage with nature, prompting the question of how engagement functions across different nature experiences. To address this gap, we draw on mindfulness as a framework to examine the pathways in which engagement in nature supports psychological restoration and connection with nature. We appraise existing literature and identify three key mechanisms underpinning mindful engagement in nature: perceptual sensitivity, decentering, and non-reactivity. This new framework provides a basis to examine mindful engagement in constrained nature experiences, where we find that the self-regulatory mechanisms of mindful engagement have a more direct role in supporting outcomes.
Mindful engagement, psychological restoration, and connection with nature in constrained nature experiences
Macaulay, Rose (author) / Lee, Kate (author) / Johnson, Katherine (author) / Williams, Kathryn (author)
2021-09-27
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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