University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the effects of mysterious nature and storytelling on social connectedness in young adults : an experimental study
Baudach, L. (2022) Exploring the effects of mysterious nature and storytelling on social connectedness in young adults : an experimental study.
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| Abstract: | During the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults suffered from restrictions on social contact, leading to social isolation. Because feelings of social isolation can impact mental and physical health, it is essential to improve social wellbeing. Storytelling and nature exposure have been shown to increase connectedness, but in research, little attention has been paid to the effects of specific characteristics of nature. This study explores the effects of mysterious nature and storytelling on social connectedness. Participants watched a virtual nature video containing high or low mystery and did a neutral or storytelling writing task. 107 participants between 18- 30 years old took part in the experiment. A 2 x 2 between-subjects design with a repeated measure of social connectedness was chosen. Immersion, awe, openness and social aspirations were controlled for as covariates. Watching a virtual nature video and engaging in a writing task significantly increased social connectedness, but no significant effect of mystery and storytelling was found. None of the covariates has been shown to change the significance of mystery or storytelling. The findings demonstrate that virtual nature and writing can increase social connectedness, but future research should explore whether and how mystery and storytelling can be utilised to increase social connectedness. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 10 humanities in general, 70 social sciences in general, 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/91985 |
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