Urban greenspace has been an increasingly discussed subject in the field of environmental neuroscience. By introducing more vegetation and plant life into an industrial environment, research has shown many beneficial effects. These effects include working memory, attention-span, and overall mood (Berman, Stier, & Akcelik 2019).
Berman et al. (2019) brought attention to the methods by which exposure to nature can impact working memory and other cognitive functions. In this article, the topic of greenspace is discussed as a major factor relating to crime rates and mental health in cities across the country. Urban greenspace prevalence has been shown to positively correlate with a greater amount of social interaction and an increase in the mental health of those exposed. From this, we can conclude that nature is a major factor on one’s mental health.
In recent literature, the underpinnings of psychosis have been evaluated under the impact of urban greenspace. Henson, Pearson, and Torous (2020) discussed the role that these green environments had on schizophrenic individuals. In comparison to controls, participants with schizophrenia were more likely to be impacted by greenspace exposure. When individuals with this psychological disorder were exposed to more nature, they reported a lower severity of symptoms. This finding indicates that an increase in urban greenspace may lead to more moderation of schizophrenic symptoms in the general population, and highlights the importance of natural environments for the mentally ill.
Recently, hospitals have been making an effort to follow this research in order to better suit their patients’ needs. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett has just recently converted an unused helipad area into an outdoor space to accommodate inpatients with behavioral disorders that have little exposure to the outdoors (Dennis 2020). This project curated a very safe, nature-esque environment in an effort to allow their patients to have greenspace exposure. The patio has views of the city, painted murals of trees and mountains, and lots of fresh air for their inpatients to enjoy.
This display of collaborative effort between science and the application of scientific findings is becoming increasingly important in the realm of neuroscience. Although these ideas are amazing to simply discuss in empirical articles, it is incredible to observe the ways in which lab work is directly impacting human lives. From the idea of natural environments having importance in some basic cognitive functions, the ultimate resultant is bettering hospital patients’ mental health by providing an area for them to indulge in nature that they have been deprived of. Environmental neuroscience is not only showcasing the methods by which we can improve brain function, but also the ways in which we can improve each other.
Works Cited:
Berman, M. G., Stier, A. J., & Akcelik, G. N. (2019). Environmental neuroscience. American Psychologist, 74(9), 1039–1052. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000583
Dennis, E. (2022, October 12). New Rooftop Patio at providence is 'not only safe, but it's beautiful'. HeraldNet.com. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-rooftop-patio-at-providence-is-not-only-safe-but-its-beautiful/
Henson, P., Pearson, J. F., Keshavan, M., & Torous, J. (2020). Impact of dynamic greenspace exposure on symptomatology in individuals with schizophrenia. PloS one, 15(9), e0238498. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238498
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