Simulated nature and positive body image: A comparison of the impact of exposure to images of blue and green spaces

Abstract

Previous research has shown that exposure to simulated natural environments, such as still images and film, promotes more positive state body image. However, this body of work has not distinguished between different types of natural environment, with the distinction between blue and green spaces being notable. Here, we asked a sample of 168 university students from the United Kingdom to complete a measure of state body appreciation before and after being randomly assigned to one of three groups in which they viewed images of blue spaces, green spaces, or built environments, respectively. A mixed analysis of variance showed that exposure to images of the natural environments, but not the built environments, significantly elevated state body appreciation. In addition, exposure to images of blue spaces had a stronger effect on state body appreciation than exposure to images of green spaces. These results replicate previous work showing that exposure to simulated natural environments promotes more positive state body image, but additionally shows that blue spaces may be more effective than green spaces. Implications of the present findings for the development of imagery-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier body image are discussed.