Student Conference Proceedings
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Stud Conf Proc
https://doi.org/10.18416/SCP.2025.2007

Psychology - Cognitive Systems, ID 2007

Short Nature Walks: A Gateway to Enhanced Psychological Wellbeing?

Main Article Content

Julia Preisler (Study Program Psychology - Cognitive Systems, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany), Johanna Dobroschke (Study Program Psychology - Cognitive Systems, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany), Anna Matthiessen (Institute for Medical and Marine Biotechnology, Universität zu Lübeck), Sandra Schumann (Institute for Medical and Marine Biotechnology, Universität zu Lübeck), Nico Bunzeck (Institute of Psychology, Universität zu Lübeck)

Copyright (c) 2025 Julia Preisler; Johanna Dobroschke, Nico Bunzeck, Anna Matthiessen, Sandra Schumann

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Nature exposures can improve psychological wellbeing (PW), but the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. To address this issue, this pilot study investigated the effects of a 15-minute nature walk compared to an urban walk on PW, assessed through self-reported affect (PANAS), state anxiety (STAI-S), trait anxiety (STAI-T), flow experience as well as awe and gratitude sensation. Environmental parameters and salivary cortisol levels were also measured. Participants (N = 50) followed a standardized study protocol. While no significant differences between the groups were observed, descriptive trends suggested greater improvements in PW in the nature condition. Additionally, participants reported higher scores for awe and gratitude and flow, highlighting the potential role of suchlike experiential states in mediating the benefits of nature exposure. These findings underscore the need for further research investigating the complex interplay between environmental conditions and emotional states.

Article Details