A new study suggests a link between exposure to greenery and reduced desires for alcohol cigarette and junk food.
The study is the first to investigate the possible relationships between exposure to nature and desires and negative emotions. Researchers at the University of Plymouth's School of Psychology surveyed 149 respondents (应答者) aged 21 o 65 about the proportion( 比例 )of green space in their neighborhood, the presence of green views from their home, their access to a garden and how often they use public green space. The study also asked questions about experiences with depression and anxiety, as well as desires for things like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Participants rated the intensity( 强度), imagery, and intrusiveness(侵扰性) of their desires on an 11-point scale.
Researchers found the presence of visible green space contributed to decreased desires for junk food. The effect was particularly noticeable when more than 25 percent of a respondent's view was greenery.
Previous scholarship(学术研究) has dealt mostly with exercise in nature: A 2015 study out of the University of Michigan found 90- minute group nature walks were effective atcombattingdepression and relieving other mood disorders. But for people who struggle with accessibility or don't have time for a 90-minute walk, this new study suggests just looking out a window at a tree can help fight off a bad habit.
"It has been known for some time that being outdoors in nature is linked to a person's well-being," lead author Leanne Martin said in a statement." But for there to be a similar association with desires from simply being able to see green space adds a new dimension to the previous research."
A 2018 study from Denmark's Aarhus University for example, found that. Having access to green space throughout childhood decreased a person's risk of developing mental health problems as an adult.
