Dr. Singh hypothesizes that exposure to nature reduces rumination — the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts — and that this reduction, rather than mood improvement in general, accounts for nature's mental health benefits.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support Dr. Singh's specific hypothesis?
- A
People with depression often spend less time outdoors.
- B
Participants reported feeling happier after walking in either a park or an urban setting.
- Ccheck_circle
Participants who walked in a park showed reduced rumination but no greater general mood improvement than those who walked in an urban setting.
- D
Nature exposure has been linked to lower stress hormone levels.
Explanation
A specifically isolates rumination reduction (without general mood gain) as the differential effect of nature, exactly as Singh predicts. B and D would be consistent with broader benefits but don't isolate rumination; C is correlational.