His recent work has dealt with subjects as varied as the effects of single versus multi-bed patient rooms on infection transmission, the negative impacts of hospital noise on patients and nurses, and how nature, gardens, and art can lessen pain, stress, and healthcare costs. Roger Ulrich is one of the most cited and note-able researcher of Biophilia in regards to Health care. His studies provide exceptional data of how the environment can affect the human body and its health.
In a review of his work it was stated that,
“Although the belief in the therapeutic benefits of nature contact is ancient, the first well controlled empirical test of this hypothesis was published in 1984 by Roger Ulrich using data from a hospital setting. Ulrich tested the effect of window views on hospital patient outcomes. Half the patients had a window that looked out onto a brick wall while the others viewed an outdoor landscape with trees. All patients had the same kind of surgery, with the two different view groups matched for age, gender, and general health conditions."
"Ulrich found that patients with the tree view used less narcotic and milder analgesics, indicating lower pain experience. They also stayed in the hospital for a shorter time period and had a more positive post-surgical recovery overall than did patients who had the view of the brick wall.” *
Ulrich’s research has impacted the theory of biophilia in a substantial way. This research backs the ideals that nature improves health and even reduces the pain levels of patients. It can even work as a healing factor of some sorts. The mental health connection to nature harbors decreased levels of stress, increased cognitive abilities, and decreased levels of depression.
Suicide rates in urbanized areas are higher than those of rural areas. In a study by Ping Qin he says, “Suicide rates are generally higher in urban than in rural areas in most countries although there are noteworthy exceptions like China. Studies from Western countries have demonstrated that urban dwellers are at increased risk of suicide compared with their counterparts in rural areas.” Mental and physical health is a huge part of what makes biophilia important to include in cities and our new environment.
*Scientific journal by Judith Heerwagen, Ph.D. found here.