Media with measurable benefits
Numerous studies demonstrate the potential of nature videos to improve well-being. Researchers have found special utility for groups with specific needs.
for hospital patients
A randomized trial of inpatient VR for pain management that included nature video content found “VR significantly reduces pain versus an active control condition in hospitalized patients… VR as an early option prior to initiating or escalating opioids…has potential to reduce subsequent use of opioids and other analgesics.”
Spiegel, Brennan, et al. "Virtual reality for management of pain in hospitalized patients: A randomized comparative effectiveness trial." PloS one 14.8 (2019).
A controlled experiment using volunteers in a hospital assessed the effect on pain of viewing a nature videotape in contrast to a static blank screen. Subjects who watched the nature scenes evidenced a higher threshold for detecting pain and had substantially greater pain tolerance.
Tse, M. M., et al. "The effect of visual stimuli on pain threshold and tolerance." Journal of clinical nursing 11.4 (2002): 462-469.
A controlled study of blood donors in a waiting room found that blood pressure and pulse were lower on days when a wall-mounted television displayed a nature videotape, compared to days with continuous daytime television programs.
Ulrich, Roger S., et al. "Effects of environmental simulations and television on blood donor stress." Journal of Architectural and Planning Research (2003): 38-47.
for the incarcerated
“Inmates who watched nature videos reported feeling significantly calmer, less irritable, and more empathetic, and committed 26% fewer violent infractions as compared to those who did not watch the videos.”
Nadkarni, Nalini M., et al. "Impacts of nature imagery on people in severely nature‐deprived environments." Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 15.7 (2017): 395-403.
“Numerous studies have shown that direct and indirect NE (nature exposure) can improve mood, physical health, and facilitate connectivity with self and society… Given that most prisoners are eventually released into the community, we are obligated not to make them worse.”
Reddon, John R., and Salvatore B. Durante. "Prisoner exposure to nature: Benefits for wellbeing and citizenship." Medical hypotheses 123 (2019): 13-18.
for households sheltering in place
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused drastic changes to routines on both the global scale, and the personal. Anxiety caused by fear and uncertainty can also be contagious! Researchers and experts are recommending a limited news intake, as well as mindfulness exercises or nature visualization to bring oneself back “in the moment.”
Brewer, Judson. “Anxiety Is Contagious. Here's How to Contain It.” Harvard Business Review, 18 Mar. 2020.
Vigliotti, Amy. “Staying Calm During Covid-19.” Psychology Today blog, 19 Mar. 2020.
As we re-imagine our home environments, indirect nature exposure through video may help alleviate anxiety. Compared to news, drama and other footage, video of wildlife and nature sparks feelings of awe, curiosity, joy and amazement and reduces feelings of anger, stress, low energy and tiredness.
Keltner, D., et al. “Exploring the Emotional State of ‘real Happiness.’ A Study into the effects of watching natural history television content.” UC Berkeley/BBC, 2017.
New ways of working and living together are evolving by the day. We are limited in mobility, yet connected to the world. Amidst the limitations, are there opportunities for nurturing our relationships and ourselves?
for pets and their people
Animals do watch TV, and there are ample videos online to prove it! Why do animals watch video, and what types of programs would they choose?
“Domestic dogs can perceive images on television similarly to the way we do, and they are intelligent enough to recognize onscreen images of animals as they would in real life—even animals they've never seen before.”
Langley, Liz. “Why Do Dogs Watch-and React to-TV?”, NationalGeographic.com, 11 Jan. 2015.
“The reasoning behind TV for pets is simple,” says Adam Christman, a New Jersey-based veterinarian. “It’s to keep them free from boredom and anxiety.”
Duncan, Tracey Anne. “Should I Let TV Raise My Dog?”, Mic.com, 12 Feb. 2020.
"Visual stimulation in the form of two-dimensional sequences, notably that combining elements of prey items and linear movement, may hold some enrichment potential for domestic cats housed in rescue shelters.”