A new study from the University of Rochester indicates that just looking at nature scenes or having living plants in a laboratory setting makes people more caring, community-oriented, and generous.
The findings highlight the importance of creating green spaces in cities to build a stronger sense of community among residents. The study also suggests that people should take advantage of opportunities to get away from built environments and, when inside, they should surround themselves with plants, natural objects, and images of the natural world. “The more you appreciate nature, the more you can benefit,” said lead author Netta Weinstein.
In three of the studies, participants were shown a selection of images. Half viewed cityscapes; the others observed landscapes. In a fourth study, participants worked in a lab with or without plants. They all answered questionnaires assessing the importance of aspirations: wealth, fame, connectedness and community.
Across all four studies, people exposed to natural elements rated close relationships and community higher. “Exposure to natural as opposed to man-made environments leads people to value community and close relationships and to be more generous with money,” says Richard Ryan, one of the paper’s authors.
For more information, visit http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3450.
News brief originally published Winter 2010.
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