Validating Visual Stimuli of Nature Images and Identifying the Representative Characteristics

Abstract

This study fills a void in the literature by both validating images of nature for use in future research experiments and examining which characteristics of these visual stimuli are found to be most representative of nature. We utilized a convenience sample of university students to assess 129 different nature images on which best represented nature. Participants (n = 40) viewed one image per question (n = 129) and were asked to rate images using a 5-point Likert scale, with the anchors “best represents nature” (5) and “least represents nature” (1). Average ratings across participants were calculated for each image. Canopies, mountains, bodies of water, and unnatural elements were identified as semantic categories of interest, as well as atmospheric perspectives and close-range views. We conducted the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the ordered logistic regression analyses to identify semantic categories highly representative of nature, controlling for the presence/absence of other semantic categories. The results showed that canopies, bodies of water, and mountains were found to be highly representative of nature, whereas unnatural elements and close-range views were inversely related. Understanding semantic categories most representative of nature is useful in developing nature-centered interventions in behavioral performance research and other neuroimaging modalities. All images are housed in an online repository and we welcome the use of the final 10 highly representative nature images by other researchers, which will hopefully prompt and expedite future examinations of nature across multiple research formats.

Forest Therapy Trails: A Conceptual Framework and Scoping Review of Research

“…While both of these explanations can be true, it is also the case that certain characteristics of forest settings such as big trees and waterfalls are consistently associated with people's landscape preferences and are reported to produce "peak" aesthetic and other highly valued experiences for people [226,237]. In our review we identified a small number of studies that looked at preference and suitability as outcome measures, which seemed better able to discriminate between forest setting characteristics than standardized psychological and physiological indicators [57,60,156]. However, there is also an extensive research literature on landscape perception and preference [30,238], that except for selected studies [75,239] has not been linked to forest therapy research to date.…”

“…Survey research (n = 15, 5.6%) included both large-scale general population surveys [54] and targeted onsite intercept surveys of forest visitors engaged or interested in forest therapy experiences [55,56]. Research types used in less than 10 articles included expert assessments such as suitability analyses [57,58] and site inventories [59], image analysis of virtual landscape representations [60] and social media selfie posts [61], and epidemiological studies [62].…”

How Can I Use Nature to Nurture the Spirit?

“…Nurses can introduce nature-based virtual reality, YouTube videos, or still photographs for patients to visualize. Pictures with canopies of vegetation, bodies of water, and mountains were identified in one study as best representing nature (Menser et al, 2021). If your hospital does not have the technology for this, strategize with the governance team or chaplains as to how this may be acquired.…”