Natural Environments and Craving: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect
Research article
Highlights
- A conceptual model of the relations between nature, craving and affect is proposed.
- A cross sectional survey provided an initial exploration of this model.
- Green views were inversely associated with craving strength and frequency.
- Access to a garden/allotment was inversely associated with craving.
- These associations were mediated by reduced negative affect.
Abstract
Introduction
This paper presents a novel investigation of a conceptual model, proposing that increased nature exposure may be associated with lower cravings, through reductions in negative affect.
Method
A cross-sectional online survey (N = 149) provided an initial exploration of the relationships between various aspects of nature exposure, craving and negative affect.
Results
Access to gardens/ allotments and residential views incorporating more than 25% green space were both associated with reductions in the strength and frequency of cravings. These associations were mediated, to varying degrees, by reductions in negative affect.
Conclusion
This novel link could have implications for public health and environmental protection programmes.
