Exploring the effects of nature-based art therapy on happiness and life satisfaction

Abstract

This research study aimed to address how engaging in nature base art therapy could support well-being with measurement tools that reflect the importance of both happiness and life satisfaction. The combination of art therapy and nature can be applied to help individuals improve wellness, even if an individual is unable to access nature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if engaging in a nature-based art therapy session would increase one’s life satisfaction and positive affect. It was hypothesized that participants who engage in nature-based art therapy will report an increase in life satisfaction and positive affect as self-reported using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; Diener et al., 1985) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson et al., 1988). The methods included two sets of data collection with 75 participants globally within two phases. The results showed that life satisfaction and positive affect improved more during phase II compared to the Phase I.Additionally, there appeared to be a significant difference in how each participant’s scores changed; this could indicate that the nature-based art therapy process allowed individuals to visually explore places in nature during restrictions to their autonomy.