Abstract

Previous studies indicate that viewing nature, urban green spaces, and urban vegetation, as opposed to urban environments with no vegetation, aids in stress recovery from physical and mental stress. Specifically, these studies have shown that as the proportion of vegetation in a given view increases, recovery time from stressors decreases. The positive effects of green space are not limited to immersion experiences, but have been found when vegetation is viewed through images, videos, or windows. This study explored the physiological impact of varying percentages of green space in the urban environment on recovery from minor stressors. Participants experienced a standard minor stressor (i.e., Stroop, sequential subtraction, or simple computer game) and then viewed an auto-advancing PowerPoint slideshow. This was repeated three times with 0%, 40%, and 70% of vegetation in the visual field of urban environments. During the experiment, subjects were connected to monitors measuring muscle tension (EMG), brain activity (EEG), skin conductance (EDA), respiration, skin temperature, and pulse (BVP), each of which is an indicator of stress/relaxation. The goal of this research was to contribute to the literature supporting the restorative effects of vegetation in urban areas and identify which percentage best supports recovery. Although other studies have investigated recovery with varying levels of vegetation in the visual field, this study was unique in that it used a combination of six physiological measures. Due to time constraints, there was a small sample (n=23) and analysis was conducted only for skin temperature and skin conductance. While the results were not statistically significant, the trends were consistent with published literature. These trends may become significant with a larger sample size. Future research could build upon this study by utilizing a sample size of at least 50 participants. The results of this, and similar studies, inform urban planning and landscape design, public health, and environmental psychology.

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