A Model of Our Contemplative Nature
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2015
Keywords
ecopsychology, nature, attention restoration, executive functioning, stress reduction, psychoneuroimmunology
Abstract
Nature appears to possess the potential to promote health and well-being. Empirical support for this potential appears to roughly bifurcate along two conceptual lines. Attention restoration theory indicates that exposure to Nature may improve executive functioning via effects on attentional processing. Concomitantly, stress reduction theory posits Nature to confer psychoneuroimmunological advantage through its promotion of a relaxation response. The integration of these two lines of research suggests that a Nature-induced state of contemplation may open a proverbial door to health and healing. Such recognition of the health-positive effects of Nature suggests a conceptual model and may facilitate a new and important element of ecopsychology as a maturing discipline.
Department
Educational Leadership
Publication Title
Ecopsychology
Recommended Citation
Kaufman, J. A. (2015). A Model of Our Contemplative Nature. Ecopsychology, 7(3), 137-144.
DOI
10.1089/eco.2015.0014
Link to Publisher Version (DOI)
Publisher's Copyright and Source
Copyright © 2015 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Article published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. in Ecopsychology, volume 7, issue number 3, September 2015, pages 137-144. Available online: https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2015.0014
