Silvia Foss
Research Mentor: Noah Boker Segal
Mentor Department: Psychology, LSA
Author(s): Silvia Foss, Noa Segal
Session: Session 7 (4:00 PM – 4:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 136
Abstract
This study draws on the Process Model of Emotion Regulation, which suggests that people regulate emotions in part by choosing certain situations and directing their attention (Gross, 1998; Gross & Thompson, 2007). Natural environments are thought to support this process because they reliably reduce stress and mental fatigue, as described by Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; Kaplan, 1995) and Stress Reduction Theory (Ulrich 1983 ; Ulrich 1991), making nature a practical and accessible regulation strategy. Because people differ in how they manage emotions, personality traits should influence whether and how often individuals turn to nature as a regulation strategy rather than other available options. For example, traits like openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness may be linked to greater use of nature for regulation, while neuroticism may reflect greater regulatory need but less consistent strategy use. To investigate this connection, previously collected self report data in which participants (n = 314) filled out individual difference measures as well as a report of their own use of nature as emotion regulation. will be used which looks at people’s connectedness to nature as well as personality traits. The analysis will consist of correlational tests examining the relationships between individual difference measures (including personality traits and connectedness to nature) and participants’ self-reported use of nature as an emotion regulation strategy.
