| Loneliness, boredom, and helplessness are major problems affecting nursing home residents. These negative emotions are generated in impoverished physical settings and in social situations where uncertainty, and frequent confrontation with uncontrollable events threaten residents' ability to maintain a sense of purpose and clarity. Situations which are either understimulating or overwhelming tax elders' cognitive resources, decrease directed attention and lead to mental fatigue. This poses a need for restoration of one's cognitive and social resources. Research in environment-behavior studies have indicated that interaction with the natural environment is therapeutic, fosters restoration from mental fatigue, and promotes psychological well-being.; The objectives of this study are: (1) to examine whether there is a difference in socialization, engagement, and affect of nursing home residents during nature-related (observing nature and gardening) and non-nature related activities (crafting and reminiscing); (2) to investigate whether there is a difference in engagement during indirect versus direct forms of participation in activities; and (3) to determine whether there is a difference in engagement depending on the individual's sense of control.; A mixed-methods research design approach consisting of systematic observations, open-ended interviews, and psychological scales was used to address the research questions. Twenty-five nursing home residents in three nursing homes in a Midwestern city in the U.S. were observed while participating in an activity program consisting of nature and non-nature related activities. Crafting and gardening represented forms of direct participation activities whereas reminiscing and observing nature represented indirect forms of participation. Following the activity program, residents were interviewed about their preferences and opinions concerning activities in the nursing home.; Quantitative statistics and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that nature-related activities provided more socialization, constructive engagement, and positive affect as compared to non-nature related activities. The results also indicated that irrespective of type of activity—nature-related or non-nature related—direct forms of participation enhanced engagement. Moreover, the results indicated that residents with a high sense of control were more engaged in activities as compared with residents with a low sense of control.; From a theoretical point of view, this study expanded the theory of restorative environments by showing that participation in nature-related activities facilitates restoration and promotes the psychological well-being of nursing home residents. In this respect, this study also produced evidence supporting the premises of the Eden Alternative approach, since it points to the importance of incorporating natural environments and nature-related activities in long-term care settings. |
