102. The effect of public art installation based on natural elements on psychological stress relief

Abstract Background Amid accelerating urbanization, prolonged exposure to high-density environments, noise pollution, and social pressures has led to widespread increases in psychological stress levels. While conventional stress management approaches primarily rely on psychological counseling, exercise therapy, and medication, the psychological support potential of public spaces remains underexplored. Recent years have seen Nature-Based Public Art Installation (NBPAI) – installations centered around natural elements – demonstrate effectiveness in improving mood, enhancing environmental connection, and fostering positive psychological experiences. However, the objective stress-reduction effects and underlying psychological mechanisms of NBPAI remain unverified. This study aims to evaluate the stress-relieving efficacy of NBPAI and explore the psychological pathways through which emotional recovery, attention restoration, and environmental pleasure contribute to intervention outcomes. Methods The study recruited 268 urban residents with high levels of persistent psychological stress, with 178 assigned to the experimental group experiencing Natural-Based Pain Alleviation Intervention (NBPAI) and 90 entering the control group without natural element art installations. The NBPAI included natural light simulation, water soundscapes, dynamic plant imagery, and odor stimulation. Participants stayed in the installation for 20 minutes before undergoing testing. Key metrics included Subjective Stress Rating (SSR), Salivary Cortisol Concentration (SCC), Emotional Restoration Index (ERI), and Attention Restoration Index (ARI). Measurements were taken before entering the installation, immediately after leaving, and again 30 minutes later. A mixed-effects model and regression analysis were used to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of NBPAI. Results The results demonstrated that the experimental group experienced an average 37% reduction in stress-related symptoms (SSR) after experiencing Natural Elements Pleasure Activity (NBPAI), significantly higher than the control group’s 12% decrease (p<.001). Stress-related cognitions (SCC) decreased by approximately 29% in the experimental group compared to 9% in the control group, with statistically significant differences (p=.004). Emotional resonance index (ERI) increased by 42% in the experimental group, markedly higher than the control group’s 15% rise (p=.002). Affective resonance index (ARI) increased by 35%, also exceeding the control group’s 11% reduction (p=.005). Further analysis revealed that both ERI and ARI could predict stress reduction magnitude, with correlation coefficients of -0.48 (p=.01) and -0.44 (p=.02), respectively. Follow-up measurements 30 minutes later showed that the experimental group maintained a 31% stress reduction, while the control group only achieved an 8% decrease (p=.006), indicating short-term sustainability of NBPAI’s stress-relieving effects. Additionally, participants’ higher scores in natural element pleasure correlated with greater stress reduction, demonstrating a clear dose–response relationship (p=.02). Discussion Public art installations incorporating natural elements effectively alleviate acute psychological stress among urban residents. The simultaneous improvement in physiological and psychological indicators demonstrates that NBPAI’s stress-reducing effects exhibit dual-system characteristics, with emotional recovery and attention restoration serving as its core mechanisms. The environmental pleasure derived from natural elements plays a crucial amplifying role in stress reduction, suggesting that designing richer natural sensory cues could further enhance therapeutic benefits. These findings provide innovative pathways for urban mental health support systems and establish empirical foundations for developing sustainable, psychologically friendly urban environments.