This study draws from previous research on both attention restoration and family cohesion as they relate to engagement with nature. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) research suggests that time spent in, or viewing, nature can reduce mental fatigue and improve concentration. Research on family connectedness indicates that family time in natural environments can foster family cohesion more so than other types of leisure activities. This experimental study was designed to complement and extend this previous research by examining (1) the attention-related benefits of a child and parent walking in nature together and (2) the immediate effects of time spent in nature on family interactions.
Twenty-seven mother-daughter dyads participated in two experimental conditions: a 20-minute walk together at an arboretum and a 20-minute walk together in a mall. The order in which they did their walks was based on random assignment. Prior to each walk, the mothers and daughters simultaneously but separately participated in attention-fatiguing activities (solving math problems and completing word searches in a noisy environment) and an attention assessment (digit span backwards). Immediately after each walk, the parent and youth separately completed the attention assessment again, as well as a survey of their perceptions of each walking environment. They then worked together to solve as many puzzles as they could during a specified time period. This problem-solving task was specifically chosen because it fostered both individual attention and joint communication as the mothers and daughters worked together. Their interactions during this task were video recorded.
Data analysis focused on determining whether a walk in a natural versus indoor environment would result in differences in: (1) attentional functioning, (2) perceptions of experience in each setting, and (3) dyadic cohesion between mothers and daughters. Cohesion was defined in terms of a sense of unity, togetherness, and closeness within a family. Results showed that exposure to nature restored individual attentional functioning (especially for mothers) and contributed to greater dyadic cohesion. Results also indicated that the mothers and daughters perceived the natural environment as more fun, relaxing, and interesting than the indoor environment.
These results add to previous research by showing that both geographic and social context play a role in attention restoration. This research also highlights the importance of access to nature in the everyday lives of families.
Research Partner