Simulated Nature View on Cognitive

¶ … Simulated Nature View on Cognitive and Psycho-Physiological Responses of Correctional Officers in a Jail Intake Area

Author(s) Name: Jay Farbstein, Melissa Farling, & Richard Wener

This research project tested how views of nature, that are introduced in the jail booking area, would be expected to result in a measurable reduction in levels of stress experienced by inmates and staff, compared to the situation prior to the intervention, the predicted outcome. The second hypothesis was to prove that large-scale photomural of a natural outlook could be anticipated to reduce staff stress in a jail booking area. The main objective of the study was to come up with valid information on practicable way for introducing natural analysis in an accessible interior area and adopt appropriate methods for measuring stress before and after the introduction.

Research Design

The research was designed in a model known as pre-post, quasi-experimental, within-subjects

One intervention in the form of photo presentation at the MADF in Sonoma

All staff underwent a pre-test before the installation of the murals

The staff underwent similar test after installation of the murals

Background and Study Questions

Main conceptual models; biophilia stress and attention restoration models

Biophilia is based on progress and holds a postulation that there exists a survival benefit granted from direct contact with nature. Progressive survival abilities in the natural works towards development of non-threatening images of nature hence creating calm and restoration of stress

Psychological and psycho-physiological effects are direct, instant, and not influenced by cognition. Exposure to nature is a significant aspect of recovery from stress. This also applies to decreased blood pressure, limited anxiety, and minimal pain medication.

Attention restoration model bases it argument on cognitive illustration. The model focuses on scenarios, psychological activities, and cases that are unpleasant and demands attentiveness. Scenarios that provide voluntary attention are deemed restorative as they enhance recovery from psychological weariness due to exposure. The nature activities are voluntary and captivating in most cases

Access to natural exposure leads to minimum stress levels, increased satisfaction and fewer illness. Aggressive behavior is also reduced through exposure to views of nature. Both models explain relationship between nature and violent behavior. Stress in most cases leads to anger, violence, and outbursts due to lack of impulse control.

Art plays an important role in stress and anger management. Constructive effects of nature in relation to behavior may also be realized in prison context. Inmates enjoy the view of nature as this distracts them from current issues and psychologically are in another world. This contributes towards reduction of the blood pressure, reduced disorders and minimum cases of violence in jails. Positive effects in relation to views of nature subscribes to stimulation of photographs as well as natural landscapes.

Research Method

The research adopted pre-test, quasi-experimental, within subject's model that demanded testing before and after introduction of photomurals. The research is based in Sonoma County Male Adult Detention Facility (MADF) in California.

12 officers participated in the pre and post-tests. 8 males and 4 females constituted this population. The subjects' ages ranged between 25 and 50 years with mean age falling at 33.4 years. The experienced years of the subjects varied from 10 to 152 months (mean experience 51.25 months).

Staff members were invited to help in the collection of data through training on the use of polar monitors, their application, and data recording techniques. In the process of data collection, subjects were required to rest quietly during briefing with monitors for about ten minutes. They attended their booking areas with monitors on. They recorded time and nature of unusual activities, scenes or situations during their shifts. Six weeks after installation of murals, officers underwent similar test as they did during the pre-mural test.

Data collected was analyzed at Ohio State University. Prof. Julian Thayer's neuropsychology laboratory provided the required facilities to analyze the information from the monitors. Analysis tools used during this research include backwards digit span, analysis of variance, and standard deviation.

Key Findings

The data indicated prove of the hypothesized effects. The survey conducted on the officers showed little change in alleged stress and moods. This was accompanied by optimistic change on cognitive and psycho-physiological variables.

Murals had encouraging influence on the inmate reactions which resulted into low aggressive levels, minimal tension, and positive effects realized by officers. Positive effects can be derived from simple modifications for example murals in this experiment.