SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE RESTORATIVE IMPACT OF NATURE ON ATTENTION IN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Attention Restoration Theory (ART) posits that spending time in nature allows direct attention capacity to be restored which leads to improvements in concentration and working memory performance. Previous research has neglected individual differences in sex and age that may impact the restorative effect. To evaluate these effects, 200 younger adults were be randomly assigned into ‘nature’, ‘not-nature/urban’, ‘control’ restoration groups. In addition, a small pilot study of older adults, ages 65+, were assigned to nature and urban groups. All groups completed series of questionnaires including general demographics, mood, and exposure to nature in their home environment. All groups completed a sustained attention and working memory task before and after a 12 minute exposure to either nature, urban, or control stimuli. An eye tracker was used measure visual attention to the stimuli during exposure. Results showed no evidence of a restoration effect in the younger or older group. Emerging evidence for sex differences in the reception of natural and urban images are discussed, as well as limitations and directions for future research.