Five-Day Rustic Nature Retreat with Guided Visual Imagery Enhances Cognitive Flexibility and Well-Being in College Faculty and Staff

Abstract

There exists a wealth of empirical evidence suggesting that immersive experiences in Nature can promote health and healing. Kaufman argued that there exists a continuum of intervention bolstered by Nature along with meditative practices that can facilitate improved human functioning. Lenartz’s model of Nature connection further provides actionable guidance regarding how one might intentionally leverage the benefits of such a perspective through engaging in a range of simple to immersive activities in a non-clinical ecotherapeutic manner. Informed by the extant research and guided by theory, we sought to explore the potential of a rustic Nature-based intervention to promote cognitive and emotional functioning among a sample of community college faculty and staff interested in pursuing professional development opportunities. The results were statistically robust across all measures and contextually supported by the responses to a brief set of open-ended questions. Specifically, we found that the field experience of guided visual imagery within Nature resulted in (a) improved thinking, (b) more positive mood, (c) less negative mood, (d) greater flourishing, and (e) deepened connection with Nature. We provide a set of recommendations for future research to deepen our understanding of the relevant factors and broaden the generalizability of future findings