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Nature makes us nicer, according to new study

By Trystan L. Bass

Posted Tue Oct 6, 2009 10:40am PDT

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Not only can a walk in the park be relaxing, looking at greenery can actually improve your relationships and make you more generous. That's what a University of Rochester research team discovered in a series of studies published on October 1, 2009.

Nearly 400 people looked at photos of either natural environments or man-made landscapes. Then these participants answered questions about the importance of personal relationships, community, wealth, and fame. In some of the studies, people were also given $5 to keep or pass along to another participant.

People who looked at pictures of nature in the study placed a high value on being connected to other people in their lives and community. These same people were more likely to share their money with others. The people who only looked at urban cityscapes didn't rate relationships or generosity as very important. They placed more emphasis on wealth and fame.

Study coauthor and professor of psychology, psychiatry, and education Richard Ryan said this shows how "stopping to experience our natural surroundings can have social as well as personal benefits."

Lead author Netta Weinstein agrees: "We are influenced by our environment in ways that we are not aware of." She suggests that this information points to the need for more green spaces in cities.

Professor Ryan discusses the study's findings in this video:

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Posted by Crystal Tue Oct 6, 2009 6:13pm PDT
I feel more healthier when I'm outside.
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Posted by Shay Wed Oct 7, 2009 3:46am PDT
I am happy calm and relaxed out in nature.. The beach.. or a park.. There is no place I'd rather be!!
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Posted by bru Thu Oct 8, 2009 11:06am PDT
Thus earlier religions and beliefs come back full circle: animism, other old world philosophies that give importance to spirituality and nature. We forget about that too often in the city.
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Posted by Jazzy Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:41pm PDT
it is true, you do feel better outside, no matter what you are doing
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Posted by oxlilyxo Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:06am PDT
So does this mean those living in more rural areas are nicer and more generous and polite? I thought so overall anyway, but this seems to support that. :)
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Posted by Claudiu Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:20am PST
I love nature, animals and swimming in blue, clean rivers. Nature feeds and supports us and that's why we must respect and protect our mother nature.
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Posted by Live Eco Friendly Fri Jan 8, 2010 1:43pm PST
We should realize that God created this world, and when we stand in awe of the world before, we have to remember that it is our Father's world. And that is why most people love nature because of our spiritual beings.
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