Page - 145 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

145 7.3.2 Attention Restoration Theory (ART) Attention restoration theory (ART) emphasises restoration of one’s ability to con- centrate or direct attention (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Kaplan 1995; Kaplan and Talbot 1983). Defining aspects of ART are highlighted in Box 7.3. Directed atten- tion is important to human functioning because it is an executive cognitive function, which controls the ability to process information, working memory, inhibitory con- trol, planning and problem solving (Kaplan 1995). The ability to direct attention is necessary for fulfilling a task (e.g. writing a report), and planning and managing behaviour (e.g. achieving life goals) (Kaplan 1995). However, the ability to direct attention is limited and can become fatigued due to continuous and prolonged use (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989). This depletion of the ability to concentrate is called directed attention fatigue. Consequences of directed attention fatigue include the inability to solve problems, impaired perception, impulsive behaviour, irritability with others and errors in one’s work (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Kaplan 1995). Restoration of directed attention fatigue requires person-environment transac- tions that can facilitate the experience of four experiential qualities: fascination, being away, coherence/extent and compatibility (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Kaplan 1995). In order to restore the ability to direct attention, a person needs to use a mode of attention that does not require any cognitive effort, called effortless attention. Environments with interesting stimuli that effortlessly attract one’s attention will facilitate the experience of fascination. Examples of such fascinating stimuli are: “strange things, moving things, wild animals, bright things, pretty things…” (James 1892). Fascination can be sustained if the stimuli in the environment are organised in a coherent way and are rich enough to foster the experience of being in a whole other world (coherence). The theory also recognises that there needs to be a match between the environmental setting and one’s purposes and inclinations; a compati- ble environment allows one to carry out his or her activities without struggle (com- patibility). Finally, a restorative environment requires one to experience physical or psychological distance from everyday tasks or demands that draw upon directed attention (being away). Taken together, these four experiential qualities allow Box 7.3: Defining Features of Attention Restoration Theory • The ability to direct attention is an executive cognitive function that can become fatigued through overuse. • The inability to concentrate or focus attention is a sign of directed attention fatigue. • Restoration from directed attention fatigue requires an individual to expe- rience a sense of being away, fascination, coherence and compatibility in a specific environment. • Natural environments tend to afford an experience of these four restorative qualities. 7 Theoretical Foundations of  Biodiversity and  Mental Well-being Relationships