A heatmap image showing the different areas of interest (AOIs) where participants may have
looked during the study. The colors represent areas that the participants gazed upon, with the
intensity of the color representing length of gaze, and areas of no color that participants did not
fixate upon.
Photo Credit: Brian Rizowy

By Whitney Fleming, Brian Rizowy, and Assaf Shwartz.

This Plain Language summary is published in advance of the paper discussed; check back soon for a link to the full paper.

In our study, we investigated how the urban lifestyle affects mental health and explored the potential of nature to alleviate these challenges. While previous research suggested that nature has therapeutic benefits, we aimed to identify specific natural elements contributing to these positive effects.

We used eye-tracking technology to understand the relationship between intentional visual attention to natural (green) and human-made (grey) elements in urban areas and their impact on wellbeing. Participants took a 45-minute outdoor walk resembling a typical commute, and we measured cognition, affect, anxiety, and perceived restorativeness before and after the walk. Participants directed their attention to either green, grey, or a mix of both elements, and we analyzed their eye movements to understand how visual attention relates to wellbeing measures.

Our key findings were:

  • Perceived restorativeness and anxiety levels significantly improved for participants focusing on green elements.
  • Trees specifically were associated with greater benefits compared to other natural features.
  • Participants who spent more time gazing at nature elements during their walk experienced enhanced wellbeing compared to those focusing on man-made elements.

Our study suggests that directing visual attention towards specific natural elements, particularly trees, can significantly reduce anxiety and increase perceived restorativeness during routine urban walks. This finding has important implications for urban planning and design. By creating spaces with prominent natural elements and encouraging people to engage with nature during their daily routines, cities can potentially reduce the mental burden on residents.

Despite the valuable insights gained, our study faced challenges such as environmental factors and technical limitations with eye-tracking technology. Future research should explore other sensory interactions with nature and use addition metrics from eye tracking technology to better account for these factors.

Understanding how specific natural elements impact mental health is crucial for designing healthier urban environments. Our research highlights the significance of visual attention to nature in improving wellbeing during routine urban walks. By incorporating these insights into urban planning, we can create cities that promote mental health and foster a connection to nature, benefiting both humans and the environment.