Walking to the urban green: Increases in positive emotions and perceived restorativeness, but not mental representation ability

Research has shown that green outdoor environments are related to emotions and the restoration of cognitive resources. However, it remains unclear whether brief exposure to urban environments with different levels of green could also benefit cognitive abilities, in terms of environmental mental representation, which has been linked to emotionally laden environments. Using a within-subject design, 151 participants (98 women) walked six urban paths with varying green levels (measured by the NDVI) for about one minute each, reporting their affect, perceived restorativeness, and estimated distance and time. Individual differences measures were also considered. Results showed that higher greenery is related to greater positive affect and perceived restorativeness, but did not improve distance (and time) estimation. Initial trait and state affect showed some involvement in subsequent state affect and perceived restorativeness. These findings highlight important implications of brief urban green walks and provide insights for future research. • The study combined environmental psychology and spatial cognition domains • Participants walked six short urban paths with varying NDVI levels • Higher greenery in urban walks increased positive emotions and restorativeness • No green or emotional effects on distance and time estimation abilities • Short urban green walks provide benefits; cognitive effects need further exploration