Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being: A Preliminary Examination of Dose–Response Effects in an Aquarium Setting. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cracknell, Deborah; White, Mathew P.; Pahl, Sabine; Nichols, Wallace J.; Depledge, Michael H.
• Is Part Of: Environment and behavior. Volume 48:Number 10(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1242
• Page End: 1269
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: restoration -- aquatic environment -- aquarium -- health and well-being -- biodiversity; Human ecology -- Periodicals; 304.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0013916515597512
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-9165

Abstract

Exposure to natural environments can have calming and stress-reducing effects on humans. Moreover, previous studies suggest that these benefits may be greater in areas with higher species richness. Our study took advantage of a "natural experiment" to examine people's behavioral, physiological, and psychological reactions to increases in levels of marine biota in a large aquarium exhibit during three stages of restocking: Unstocked, Partially stocked, and Fully stocked. We found that increased biota levels were associated with longer spontaneous viewing of the exhibit, greater reductions in heart rate, greater increases in self-reported mood, and higher interest. We suggest that higher biota levels, even in managed settings, may be associated with important well-being and health benefits, particularly for individuals not able to access the natural analogues of managed environments.