A Simulated Walk in Nature: Testing Predictions From the Attention Restoration Theory. Issue 3 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crossan, Corey; Salmoni, Alan
• Is Part Of: Environment and behavior. Volume 53:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: attention restoration theory -- cognitive performance -- directed attention -- directed attention fatigue -- nature -- restore -- physical activity; Human ecology -- Periodicals; 304.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0013916519882775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-9165

Abstract

Attention restoration theory (ART) predicts that top-down processing during everyday activities can cause attentional fatigue and that bottom-up processing that occurs when people experience nature will be restorative. This study exposed participants to three different conditions using a repeated measures design: a control condition during which participants walked on a typical treadmill; a nature condition during which participants walked on the same treadmill, experiencing a simulated nature walk; and a perturbation condition that included the same simulated nature scene but also required top-down processing during the walk. The findings supported ART predictions. As measured by the backward digit span test, top-down processing in a simulated natural environment nullified the restorative effects and the nature condition produced a significant improvement in directed attention performance compared to the control and perturbation conditions after a 10-min walk. These findings offer practical insights to enhance cognitive functioning through simulated natural environments.