How exposure to natural landscapes can decrease the tendency toward delinquent behavior: the role of delay discounting

Abstract

Objectives

We conducted two experiments to test the possibility that exposure to natural (versus urban) landscapes is associated with a lower tendency to perform delinquent acts.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to either the nature or urban exposure condition in both experiments. A discounting measure was then administered. The likelihood of cheating in a matrix task (Experiment 1) and the tendency toward delinquent choices (Experiment 2) served as the dependent measures.

Results

Participants in the nature exposure condition were less likely to cheat in a matrix task (Experiment 1), and less inclined to make delinquent choices (Experiment 2), compared with participants in the urban exposure condition. The discounting tendency mediated the link between exposure to nature and the inclination to engage in delinquent behavior.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that exposure to urban landscapes is more closely associated with delinquent behavior than previously thought.