Overview
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is a psychological theory proposed in the late 1980s by Rachel Kaplan and Stephen Kaplan at the University of Michigan.
This theory explains how "directed attention," depleted in modern life, is restored by being in natural environments.
It systematizes the sensations of "my head feels clearer in nature" and "I can refresh" as a functional brain mechanism, and is one of the most influential theories in environmental psychology.
Theoretical Background
Two Types of Attention
The Kaplans divided human "attention" into two types:
- Directed Attention:
- Attention requiring conscious effort and self-control.
- Used when concentrating on specific tasks like work, study, or complex problem-solving, and suppressing (blocking) unnecessary stimuli.
- This requires energy, and overuse depletes it, causing "mental fatigue" and irritability.
- Involuntary Attention / Fascination:
- Attention automatically attracted without effort.
- Works when seeing something interesting, beautiful, or mysterious.
- While using this, directed attention rests and can recover.
Detailed Explanation
Four Conditions of a Restorative Environment
The Kaplans defined that environments that restore attention need the following four elements. Natural environments are said to satisfy these at high levels.
- Being Away (Escape):
- Being physically and psychologically away from daily obligations and stress sources.
- Fascination (Soft Fascination):
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This is key. Having objects that attract attention without effort.
- In particular, stimuli in nature like "moving clouds," "sunlight filtering through trees," "sound of a stream," "birdsong" are not too strong (soft fascination) and promote recovery without disturbing thought.
- Extent (Scope/World View):
- The environment has sufficient scope and depth to explore, allowing immersion as one cohesive "world."
- Compatibility:
- The environment matches the individual's purpose and desires.
IKIMON Perspective: Nature Observation is the Ultimate "Soft Fascination"
Nature Observation is an ideal recovery activity in the ART context.
The act of searching for organisms is not a hard task requiring excessive concentration, but constantly provides "appropriate interest" through movement and color.
Realizations like "Oh, there's a bug here" or "This flower has an unusual shape" are processes that rest the tired brain (directed attention) and gently stimulate involuntary attention.
Critical Examination
Measurement Challenges
Objectively measuring "attention restoration" has difficult aspects. Many studies measure through self-reports (questionnaires) or puzzle task performance, but discussion continues regarding correlation with physiological indicators like brain waves or fMRI.
Differences in "Nature" Quality
Not just any "green" is fine. Research shows that dilapidated forests that feel dangerous or overly monotonous lawns have low (or negative) recovery effects. Safety and diversity are important.
IKIMON and "Recovery Time"
IKIMON provides users with opportunities for "soft fascination."
- App UI Design: We strive for comfortable design where the act of viewing posts and maps does not require "directed attention" like work, but induces "involuntary attention" for enjoyable viewing.
- Practicing Well-being: "Using IKIMON to walk around the office for 5 minutes during lunch break." Such a small habit becomes refreshing time that leads to improved afternoon productivity (attention recovery).
References
- Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
- Ohly, H., et al. (2016). Attention Restoration Theory: A systematic review of the attention restoration potential of exposure to natural environments. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.
