Environmental Psychophysiology

Post-occupancy evaluation of healing gardens in a pediatric cancer center

“…Rather than unfolding during a period of focused cognitive activity, perceptual evaluations that initiate stress recovery are assumed to occur very quickly (Ulrich, 1983;Ulrich et al, 1991). The emphasis on quickonset changes reflects the premise that many potentially restorative encounters with nature are brief and made in passing (Parsons and Hartig, 2000). The theoretical framework also expressly addresses longer term improvements in medical outcomes directly and indirectly associated with reduced stress, such as faster wound healing via enhanced immune function and reduced pain in hospital patients (Parsons, 1991;Ulrich, 1991).…”

“…Findings from several studies of non-patient groups suggest that even brief visual encounters with real or simulated nature settings can elicit significant psychophysiological restoration within 3-5 min at most, or as quickly as 20 s (e.g., Fredrickson and Levenson, 1998;Hartig et al, 1995;Parsons and Hartig, 2000;Ulrich et al, 1991;Van den Berg et al, 2003). This restoration is manifested as reduced negative affect, heightened positive affect, and changes in physiological systems indicative of lower arousal or stress mobilization (electrocortical, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, musculoskeletal) (Parsons and Hartig, 2000).…”

“…This restoration is manifested as reduced negative affect, heightened positive affect, and changes in physiological systems indicative of lower arousal or stress mobilization (electrocortical, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, musculoskeletal) (Parsons and Hartig, 2000).…”

Does Physical Environment Contribute to Basic Psychological Needs? A Self-Determination Theory Perspective on Learning in the Chemistry Laboratory

“…However, most of the research on physical environment has traditionally focused on minimizing its negative effects on health or determining how individuals interact with the environment on a perceptual level (see e.g. Alfonsi, Capolongo & Buffoli, 2014;Evans, Bullinger & Hygge, 1998;Parsons & Hartig, 2000;Ulrich, 1981), rather than on unveiling the role of the physical environment with regard to cognitive and emotional functioning. This study examines the role of the physical environment in supporting learning and basic psychological needs.…”

Assessing the restorative potential of different types of urban and periurban green spaces

“…Il termine "rigenerazione", in inglese restoration, indica un processo di recupero delle risorse psicologiche e cognitive rispetto a delle condizioni di deficit antecedenti (Parsons & Hartig 2000, Hartig & Staats 2003. La ricerca scientifica in questo ambito si basa sulla Teoria del Recupero dallo Stress psicofisiologico (Ulrich 1983, Ulrich et al 1991 o Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) e sulla Teoria della Rigenerazione dell'Attenzione diretta o Attention Restoration Theory (ART - Kaplan & Kaplan 1989, Kaplan 1995.…”