Recent research on eye-tracking has brought to light the mental health benefits associated with observing natural features during city strolls. The study, a collaborative effort between Bangor University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, was published in the scientific journal People and Nature. The findings emphasized the positive impact of focusing visually on greenery over man-made structures for urban inhabitants, in terms of reducing anxiety and boosting feelings of restoration.
The research involved 117 city residents who were given eye-tracking glasses and guided through a 45-minute walk within the city. The participants were instructed to direct their gaze towards either natural elements like trees, plants, lawns, and flowers, or man-made structures, or a combination of both. The unique methodology used in the study revealed a correlation between focusing on natural elements and improvements in various mental health parameters, including anxiety levels and restorative feelings.
Dr. Whitney Fleming, a lecturer in Human Geography at Bangor University, interpreted these results, stating, “Those who were guided to visually engage more frequently with green elements reported a significant reduction in anxiety. The most substantial positive effect was seen with trees.” The research underscored a potent connection between observing green elements, particularly trees, and an increase in perceived restoration, implying that even brief encounters with nature can offer mental health benefits.
These findings carry significant implications for urban design, offering valuable insights for urban planners and architects. They suggest that incorporating more natural elements into city landscapes can significantly boost the mental well-being of the inhabitants. The “Nature Gaze” study endorses the concept of urban environments that encourage engagement with nature, highlighting a simple yet effective strategy for improving urban mental health.
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