The moderation of neuroticism on the relationship between nature exposure and working memory

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different times of nature exposure on working memory and if neuroticism would moderate this relationship. It is already known that nature has positive effects on well-being. For instance, it may improve one’s immune system and decrease anxiety and rumination. With the growing urbanization and other factors such as long work hours that lead people to visit greenery less, it is promising to see if nature exposure improves people’s cognitive function. It has been proposed by the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) by Kaplan that directed attention resources may be replenished by natural stimuli, as they do not require much cognitive control. The Stress Reduction Theory by Ulrich on the other hand, suggests that nature reduces stress levels and in turn replenishes cognitive function. As persons scoring high on neuroticism tend to experience stress and negative emotion more easily, it could be so that nature exposure has fewer positive effects for this population. The results showed that nature had a positive effect on working memory scores, unless of the duration of the exposure. This finding suggests that short exposure to nature already replenishes higher-order attention functions. Neither neuroticism led to significant differences. Also, weather circumstances did not lead to different outcomes. These findings can correspond with the ART, suggesting that natural stimuli do not demand much cognitive control, and in turn, replenish directed attention resources. However, from colleagues, it has been known that nature had a positive effect on positive affect. So, the SRT could also be suitable through a possible mechanism of affect. Future studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship and a suitable theoretical background.