The influence of indirect nature experience on human system

Abstract

A growing number of studies have shown that contact with nature contributes enhancing positive psycho-physiological effects. This study experimentally compared the effects of direct and indirect contact with nature on psychological and physiological affect, respectively. Thirty university students participated in this experiment. The results of this study indicated that indirect nature experience also provided positive psychological and physiological effects, except for parasympathetic nerve activity. The results of the present study would support the effectiveness of virtual nature for people who cannot easily access real nature in order to improve psychological benefits.

Keywords

• Contact with nature
• psycho-physiological effects
• virtual nature
• forest therapy
• health benefits