Behavioral Impact of Naturalistic and Wilderness Settings
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Environmental psychologists have long understood that exposure to the natural world profoundly impacts human behavior. Moreover, contact with nature, or simulations of nature, can provide benefits to the well-being of humans, offering opportunities to enhance both physical and mental health. Evidence suggests the green space offered by natural settings produces a therapeutic and restorative effect on humans, and is of particular importance for those living in urban environments. The following chapter reviews the impact of natural or naturalistic recreational settings on human mental and physical health, cognition, and social parameters. More specifically, the authors take a closer look at how recreational settings including zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens compare to naturalistic settings by providing ample green space and blue space, thereby creating pathways for improved cognitive function, social relationships, and overall mental and physical well-being.
Publication Title
Environmental Psychology and Human Well-Being: Effects of Built and Natural Settings
First Page
253
Last Page
279
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/B978-0-12-811481-0.00010-X
ISBN
9780128114810
Citation Information
Maple, T. L., & Morris, M. C. (2018). Behavioral impact of naturalistic and wilderness settings. In A. S. Devlin (Ed.), Environmental psychology and human well-being: Effects of built and natural settings (pp. 253–279). Elsevier Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811481-0.00010-X