Wenxin Cui
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Kathryn Schertz
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychology / LSA
Program:
Authors: Wenxin Cui, Noemie Durand, Kathryn Schertz
Session: Session 7: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Poster: 102
Abstract
Previous work shows that exposure to natural environments increases creativity, positive affect, and feelings of social connection in individuals. This research project seeks to expand the literature by investigating how the impacts of different physical environments extend to interpersonal experiences. In this study, we are specifically examining if being in a natural space can improve conflict conversation outcomes for romantic couples. Participants were screened for having an ongoing conflict in their relationship. Participating couples were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, each representing a distinct physical environment: nature (Nichols Arboretum), urban (downtown Ann Arbor), and indoors (lab room). We instructed the couple to have a 15-minute conversation about their conflict, followed by a 3-minute conversation about their gratitude for one another. Before and after each conversation, participants completed surveys to measure affect, relationship satisfaction, feelings of connection, and other outcomes of interest. Throughout the session, physiological sensors recorded ECG and respiration data. Participants also completed a follow-up survey the day after their session to examine the durability of outcomes. Using their physiological data, conversation transcripts, and survey responses, we are currently comparing conversation outcomes between the three conditions. We hypothesize that the natural environment will promote positive processes during both conflict and gratitude conversations. This study will give insight into the social benefits of nature and will help identify factors that can facilitate conflict resolution. This holds implications for the use of public spaces for romantic couples.
