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Abstract

In an action research experimental design, the experimental group participated in 10 directed-attention natural beauty walks, a control group took 10 walks without directed attention to natural beauty, and a comparison group simply completed pre- and posttest measures. The goal of the study was to determine if the directed-attention beauty walks would cause (a) an increase in noticing and paying attention to natural beauty, (b) an increase in levels of the trait of engagement with natural beauty, and (c) a lessening of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results indicated (a) but no change in (b) or (c). Four weeks after the intervention ended, the experimental group members reported noticing significantly more natural beauty in their lives than did the members of the control or comparison groups. Conclusion: Directed-attention beauty walks caused an increase in noticing natural beauty, but the intervention was too short, or not intensive enough, to influence the trait of engagement with natural beauty or depressive and anxiety symptoms. Key Words: Natural beauty—Trait—Appreciation—Engagement—Action research.

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Ten Once-a-Week Brief Beauty Walks Increase Appreciation of Natural Beauty

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