Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

The effect of the physical environment and levels of activity on affective states

Kinnafick, F.-E. and Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2014) The effect of the physical environment and levels of activity on affective states. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 38, pp. 241-251. 0272-4944.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: The physical environment and physical activity can independently improve positive affect. The current studies investigated the effects of two opposing environments (urban versus natural) and levels of activity (walking and sitting) on affective states in either a laboratory (study 1) or an outdoor setting (study 2). While doing each activity (walking and sitting in each environment), participants watched film clips of urban or natural outdoor settings (study 1), or were naturally immersed in an urban or a natural environment (study 2). Measures of affect were administered pre, mid and post each condition. Findings highlighted the benefits of being immersed in a natural outdoor environment with physical activity being key for positive effects on energy. Short bouts of sedentary behaviour increased state negative affect, tiredness, and decreased energy levels. Attempts by policy-makers, urban planners and public health promoters should encourage greater use of natural open space to promote acute psychological well-being.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Physical activity, experimental, nature, urban environment, well-being, sedentary behaviour
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF353 Environmental psychology
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > GV706 Sports psychology
Q Science > QP Physiology > QP301 Exercise and sports physiology
Creators: Kinnafick, Florence-Emilie and Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C
Publisher: Elsevier
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Date: June 2014
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 241-251
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Environmental Psychology
Volume: 38
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2014.02.007
ISSN: 0272-4944
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/7428

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