Nurturing Attention Through Nature

Abstract

AbstractBackground: Previous research suggests an association between exposure to nature and improved attention. However, no studies explored the underlying mechanisms or considered bluespace, and none used Polish data. We investigated the association between exposure to nature and attention, and whether it was mediated by nature perception, physical activity and sleep duration. Methods: Data derived from the case-control NeuroSmog study comprised 195 participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 457 participants without ADHD, all aged 10 to 13. Attention networks, selective and sustained attention were evaluated using the computerized attention network test and the continuous performance test. Lifelong and current exposure to nature, determined by percentage of grass and tree cover and water presence within 500m buffer around residences, as well as domestic garden, were examined through linear, log-linear and negative binomial regressions. Psychosocial pathways were explored using structural equation modelling.Results: Exposure to tree cover was associated with improved orienting ability and shorter reaction time, fewer correct rejections in participants with ADHD, and with decreased alertness and improved orienting ability in participants without ADHD. Exposure to grass cover was associated with longer reaction time, decreased alertness, improved orienting ability, reduced target discrimination ability, fewer correct rejections and less risky response style in participants with ADHD, and with decreased orienting ability, more mistakes, longer reaction time, better hit rate and more risky response style in participants without ADHD. Presence of water was linked to improved orienting ability, fewer mistakes and better hit rate in participants without ADHD. Having a garden was related to improved target discrimination ability, better hit rate and more risky response style in participants without ADHD. No mediating pathways were revealed.Conclusion: Tree cover and presence of garden and water were generally associated with improved attention in Polish children while grass tended to have negative impact.

Keywords: Green space, blue space, attention, children, mental health, Epidemiology