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Perspective-taking in digital nature : Deepening the understanding of the effects of spacious and dense environments combined with perspective-taking in a digital setting.

Grooten, M. (2024) Perspective-taking in digital nature : Deepening the understanding of the effects of spacious and dense environments combined with perspective-taking in a digital setting.

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Abstract:This study investigates the effects of digital nature exposure on mental well-being, focusing on the interplay between spatial characteristics (spacious vs. dense) and engagement (perspective-taking vs. mere exposure) in digital environments. Using a 2x2 factorial design, 160 participants were exposed to digitally simulated landscapes and evaluated for outcomes such as connectedness, stress reduction, environmental appreciation, anxiety, selflessness, positive affect, immersion, and perceived body boundaries. Results revealed that spacious environments significantly increased positive affect and decreased anxiety. While the perspective-taking exercise did not directly enhance connectedness or positive affect, it facilitated a reduction in perceived body boundaries, promoting a sense of unity with the environment. Mediation analyses indicated that perceived body boundaries mediated the effects of spaciousness on selflessness, anxiety and positive affect, underscoring the importance of embodiment in digital nature experiences. These findings provide insights for designing therapeutic and organizational digital environments, highlighting digital nature's potential to support mental well-being and psychological immersion.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Science MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104829
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