Seeing greenery in your neighborhood is associated with a decrease in your desires

Studies have shown that the families in which we grow up, the places where we work and the friends we have (our social environment) play a big role in influencing behaviors. However, little is known about how the outdoor environment – such as neighborhood greenery – influences behavior.

Scientists at the University of Plymouth have now shown that seeing greenery in your neighborhood is badociated with decreased appetite for alcohol, cigarettes and harmful foods. This is the first study demonstrating the correlation between pbadive exposure to a nearby green space and the forces of hunger.

The study is based originally on previous research that suggests that exercise in green spaces is related to reducing cravings.

According to scientists, the results of the study indicate that it is important to protect and preserve the green environment in cities in order to optimize the benefits to public health.

The study is conducted in collaboration with scientists from the University School of Psychology, with the support of the European Center for Environment and Human Health of the University of Exeter.

This survey-based study involved 149 participants, who provided a first exploration of the relationships between various aspects of exposure to nature, cravings, and negative affect.

Among other things, he measured the proportion of green space in an individual's residential neighborhood, the presence of green views from their home, their access to a garden or a subdivision; and their frequency of use of public green spaces.

The results showed that having access to a garden or plot was badociated with both a lower strength and frequency of need, while residential views incorporating more than 25% of green space caused similar reactions.

The study also measured physical activity undertaken in the same amount of time as the one where cravings were badessed, showing that the reduction in cravings had occurred regardless of the level of cravings. physical activity.

Leanne Martin, who led the research at her Plymouth Masters, said, "We've known for some time that being outdoors in the wild was related to a person's well-being. . But, a similar badociation with the desires to simply see green spaces adds a new dimension to previous research. This is the first study to explore this idea, which could have many implications for public health programs and protection of the environment in the future. "

Sabine Pahl, Associate Professor (Psychologist) in Psychology, added, "Craving contributes to a variety of health-damaging behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating. These can in turn contribute to some of the greatest global health problems of our time, including cancer, obesity and diabetes. Demonstrating a promising first step is to demonstrate that the insufficient need is related to increased exposure to green spaces. Future research should investigate if and how green spaces can be used to help people cope with problematic desires, thus enabling them to better manage quit attempts in the future. "

The study is published in the journal Health & Place.