Recalling autobiographical memories of nature moments for improved positive affect

Abstract

Nature-based interventions have been associated with improved positive affect. The ability to improve positive affect can be considered a preventative skill, helping to manage emotions and strengthen coping responses, leading to greater psychological wellbeing. However, many circumstances can make accessing natural environments difficult. As urban residents face lockdowns, uncertainty, and isolation the ability to provide accessible and equitable mental health interventions to improve mood has become increasingly important. A variety of brief mental imagery techniques have been shown to promote positive affect, and some of these can be easily practiced at home. However, the most optimal imagery content for improving mood — and the cognitive mechanisms underlying these mental imagery effects on mood — remain unclear. Combining two instinctive forms of imagery content in an online randomised experiment, we compare how remembering (vs. imagining) moments in natural versus urban environments in a guided mental imagery task influences positive affect as measured by the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). Results from 740 English speaking adults indicate that people who use nature-based imagery, compared to urban-based imagery feel more positive. This effect did not depend on whether the imagery was remembered or imagined. Additionally, exploratory analysis indicated nature-based imagery resulted in higher levels of perceived restoration and nature connectedness. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings and explore promising directions toward development of a simple, and effective, mental imagery intervention for improving mood and wellbeing.