Can nature make us more caring? Effects of immersion in nature on intrinsic aspirations and generosity
Weinstein, Netta Przybylski, Andrew K. Ryan, Richard Michael
Weinstein, Netta
Przybylski, Andrew K.
Ryan, Richard Michael
Abstract
Four studies examined the effects of nature on valuing intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations. Intrinsic aspirations reflected prosocial and other-focused value orientations, and extrinsic aspirations predicted self-focused value orientations. Participants immersed in natural environments reported higher valuing of intrinsic aspirations and lower valuing of extrinsic aspirations, whereas those immersed in non-natural environments reported increased valuing of extrinsic aspirations and no change of intrinsic aspirations. Three studies explored experiences of nature relatedness and autonomy as underlying mechanisms of these effects, showing that nature immersion elicited these processes whereas non-nature immersion thwarted them and that they in turn predicted higher intrinsic and lower extrinsic aspirations. Studies 3 and 4 also extended the paradigm by testing these effects on generous decision making indicative of valuing intrinsic versus extrinsic aspirations.
Keywords
nature, aspirations, autonomy, relatedness, immersion
Date
2009
Type
Journal article
Journal
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Book
Volume
35
Issue
10
Page Range
1315-1329
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts