Establishing Restorative Parameters: Defining Soft Fascination in Nature for Restorative Studies
This research proposes to define the concept of soft fascination in natural environments and its role in building healthier communities through restoration as proposed by Attention Restoration Theory (ART). This study involves two phases: the first is directed towards the identification of soft fascination stimuli in real nature environments. Soft fascination stimuli engage effortless attention and simultaneously allow for reflection; a mental process that can be measured through neural activity. Using eye-tracking, to monitor visual engagement, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to monitor associated neural activity, the study will establish which stimuli lead to the activation of the neural circuits associated with soft fascination. The second phase compares restoration between real and virtual exposure to the soft fascination stimuli. Results of the studies will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of and developing informed nature-based interventions for addressing challenges to health. Additionally, the methodological framework of the research will allow for creating and making publicly available an open-access repository of VR natural environments. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for the broader scientific community, fostering collaboration and innovation in future restoration research by ensuring accessibility and replicability of VR environments designed to promote health and well-being.