Watching tropical fish swim around a tank, it can seem like they don’t have a care in the world. And some of this tranquility clearly has an effect on humans—as research shows aquariums not only boost mood, but lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Scientists found that the more fish in the tank, the greater the beneficial effects. While much research has been carried out on the calming effects of green spaces and nature, little has been done on watching fish.
Experts from the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter assessed volunteers’ physical and mental responses to tanks containing different numbers of fish. They said tanks are often seen in doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms due to their comforting properties.
In the study, scientists assessed the mood, heart rate and blood pressure of participants in precisely the same setting as fish numbers in the exhibit gradually increased. Deborah Cracknell at the National Marine Aquarium said: “Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors’ surgeries and dental waiting rooms. This study has, for the first time, provided firm evidence that a certain amount of exposure to underwater settings could actually have a positive impact on people’s well-being.”
Dr Sabine Pahl, Plymouth’s associate professor in psychology, said: “While large public aquariums typically focus on their educational mission, our study suggests they could offer a number of previously undiscovered benefits. In times of higher work stress and crowded urban living, perhaps aquariums can step in bringing to us calm and relaxation.”
Exeter’s environmental psychologist Dr Mathew White said: “Our findings have shown improvements for health and well-being in highly managed settings, providing an exciting possibility for people who aren’t able to access outdoor natural environments. If we can identify the behavioral system that supports the benefits we’re seeing, we can effectively bring some of the ‘outside’ inside and improve the well-being of people without ready access to nature.”
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