Abstract
In this experiment we investigated how individual differences in orientation towards built vs. nature environment as well as noise sensitivity affect psychological and physiological restoration in a constructed urban park, urban woodland and city centre of Helsinki, Finland. The participants, 30-61-year-old healthy women (N = 83), visited each study site once. The experiment consisted of a 15-min viewing session, followed by a 30-min walking session in each environment. We measured restorative effects: perceived restorative outcomes, vitality, and blood pressure in these three environments. The data were analysed in SAS with a linear mixed model. We found significant differences between environments in psychological restorative effects, but not in blood pressure. The urban-nature orientedness, and to a lesser extent noise sensitivity, modified the effect of environment on restoration. In conclusion, individual characteristics affect psychological restoration provided by various urban environments. Varying needs of individuals should be taken into account in city planning.
Highlights
Research has shown that contact with the natural environment supports human health and wellbeing
In our experiment we examine how the urban-nature orientedness and sensitivity to noise are related to restorative effects in different urban green environments, urban park and urban woodland)
We examined the effect of urban-nature orientedness and noise sensitivity on restorative effects in different urban environments: city centre, urban park and urban woodland
Summary
Research has shown that contact with the natural environment supports human health and wellbeing. The green spaces have positive effects on mood and cognitive functioning (Bowler et al, 2010; Bratman et al, 2015; Van den Berg et al, 2003), people prefer nature when emotionally tired (Korpela et al, 2010), and urban green areas help to reduce attentional stress and enhance psychological recovery Of the physiological health effects, the research evidence suggests that being in nature has positive effects on blood pressure, heart rate, skin conductivity, muscle tension and cortisol levels (Hartig et al, 2003; Horiuchi et al, 2013; Laumann et al, 2003; Park et al, 2010; Tsunetsugu et al, 2007).
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