@article {719726,
	title = {Subjective wellbeing, Working-from-home (WFH), COVID-19, Flourishing, Mixed Methods Research, Indoor environmental quality (IEQ), Post-pandemic intervention.},
	year = {Submitted},
	abstract = {This study examines how individual differences in employees{\textquoteright} demographic and other personal factors, such as personality, physical workspace, and pandemic-induced changes in employees{\textquoteright} personal and professional lives shaped their subjective wellbeing, productivity and overall flourishing (Flourishing Index, FI) under workingfrom-home (WFH) conditions. A cohort of 602 individuals employed by a business entity in Bangkok, Thailand were surveyed. Analysis of survey responses using Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) revealed underlying \&nbsp;interactions between variables that reflected differences in FI scores and work-related perceptions. Among the five principal dimensions, demographic characteristics like age, marital status, and workrelated changes contributed most to the first principal domain of happiness and life satisfaction, while personal affects, emotional changes, and satisfaction with their job and the indoor environment had a stronger influence on the second domain, mental and physical health. Additionally, Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Component (HCPC) was used to group individuals with similar characteristics based on the FAMD. Results showed that individuals who enjoyed higher wellbeing ratings while WFH tended to be male, above 35 years old,\&nbsp; of a higher employment tier, and married or living with a partner. The study reveals the importance of individual characteristics in the lived experience of WFH on wellbeing. It also shows how the FI can be used as a performance indicator of job satisfaction that incorporates worker{\textquoteright}s wellbeing and thereby offers a new management tool as the workplace transforms into WFH and hybrid models.},
	author = {Xu, J., Cedeno, J.G., .....Spengler, .D., Tomasso, L.P.}
}
@article {719721,
	title = {LoTemplio, S., McDonnell, A. S., ...Tomasso, L.P,.... \&amp; Strayer, D. L. (2023). Healthy by nature: Policy practices aimed at maximizing the human behavioral health benefits of nature contact. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences\&a},
	journal = {Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences},
	volume = {10},
	number = {2},
	year = {2023},
	pages = {247-255}
}
@article {703471,
	title = {In situ psycho-cognitive assessments support self-determined urban green exercise time},
	journal = {Urban Forestry \& Urban Greening},
	volume = {86},
	year = {2023},
	abstract = {Prescribed nature walks frequently yield improvements to\&nbsp;mood\&nbsp;and cognition as observed in experimental studies. Research that uses real life settings such as self-determined time exercising outdoors for restorative health benefits may more accurately elicit effects than time-specified study protocols. This study examined in situ psycho-cognitive outcomes of routine walks in urban greenspace to test the concept that self-set exposure duration and not context alone is related to magnitude of psycho-cognitive benefit. Pre-post measurements taken on a diverse participant pool of individuals walking in urban parks and recruited on random days over a two-week period found significant associations between outdoor activity duration and cognitive and mood improvements. Greater outdoor walking duration linearly predicted stronger processing speeds but non-linearly in tests of other cognitive domains. Results of\&nbsp;fixed effects model\&nbsp;for mean mood change following green exercise show outdoor walking influenced mood change at highest levels of significance, even after accounting for individual level variability in duration. Mood improved for all durations of outdoor walking under a random effects model with high significance. Untethering fixed intervals of outdoor exercise from formal\&nbsp;study design\&nbsp;revealed briefer but more frequent nature engagement aligned with nature affinity. The influence of unmeasured factors, e.g., nature affinity or restorative conditioning, for prescriptive durations of urban green exercise merits further investigation toward designing\&nbsp;wellbeing\&nbsp;interventions directed at specific urban populations.},
	url = {https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/science/article/pii/S1618866723001760},
	author = {Linda Powers Tomasso and John D. Spengler and Jarvis T. Chen and Paul C. Catalano and Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent}
}
@article {702061,
	title = {Implications of disparities in social and built environment antecedents to adult nature engagement.},
	journal = {PLOS One},
	volume = {17},
	number = {9},
	year = {2022},
	abstract = {Antecedent factors which influence adult engagement with nature are underexplored given the human health benefits strongly associated with nature exposure. Formative pathways and impediments to nature contact merit understanding as they may contribute to later-life health disparities. We probed experiential pathways and attitudes toward nature engagement among adults purposefully sampled across U.S. regions, age, race/ethnicity, and urbanicity through semi-structured focus group discussions. The research aims were to explore entryways and barriers to experiencing nature and learn how natured and built environments compete in influencing human-nature relationships. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following Braun and Clarke{\textquoteright}s phases of thematic analysis. Qualitative content analysis of discussions identified three principal themes: 1) formative influences promoting adult nature engagement (i.e., persons/organizations and places of origin), 2) detractors from nature engagement (i.e., perceptual, material, and physical barriers), and 3) role of current setting (i.e., natural and built environments) shaping nature-seeking relationships. We found experiential factors that included early life exposures outdoors, personal mentorship, and organizational affiliation to be highly influential in socializing individuals to nature and in soldering attachment to nature which manifests into adulthood. In contrast, changing demographics and childhood, inequity, social dynamics, metropolitan growth, urban renewal explained alienation from nature. These findings emphasize the importance of efforts to expand opportunities for nature contact, especially for youth living in economically challenged urban areas, which go beyond increasing greenspace to encompass mentoring partnerships for gaining skills and comfort outdoors and redesign of safe natured spaces within cities for hands-on learning and discovery.},
	url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0274948},
	author = {Linda Powers Tomasso and Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent and Jarvis Chen and John D. Spengler}
}
@article {685617,
	title = {Towards a theory of nature engagement and health},
	journal = {Ecopsychology},
	year = {2022},
	month = {2022 Aug 2},
	abstract = {This article presents an integrated theoretical framework to study the socioenvironmental attributes of the nature experience as a basic health behavior. After first reviewing existing literature on theories behind nature exposure, we discuss social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain individual nature experience through the model{\textquoteright}s triadic dynamic of environment, cognitions, and behaviors. We then expand beyond SCT{\textquoteright}s focus on the individual to examine structural and societal spheres of influence on nature experience found in ecological systems theory and ecosocial theory. In moving from proximal to distal influences, we identify the core constructs of each theory that may reinforce or deter decisions inclining individuals toward nature engagement. In synthesizing aspects of these three theories, we propose an integrated theoretical framework of nature experience distinguished by three ideas. First, individual-level formative influences in nature pervade higher level ecologies as a learned social behavior. Second, nature experience happens within multiple systems and timepoints. Third, social relationships within historical processes shape contextual factors of the nature experience, resulting in disparities in nature access and nature responses that manifest heterogeneously. Theorizing behind nature experience can inform why this occurs. We offer suggestions for further research to build on the groundwork put forth here: for hypothesizing around present observations, for collecting data to confirm and/or refute parts of the theory, and for further hypothesis generation inspired by the theory to inform the research agenda. In conclusion, we consider the practical implications of theory underlying nature experience as a health behavior relevant to research, interventions, and policy.},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2022.0005},
	author = {Linda Powers Tomasso \& Jarvis T. Chen}
}
@article {679039,
	title = {, ., , , , ... \&amp;  (2021). Time Spent in Nature Is Associated with Increased Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors. International Journal of Environmental },
	journal = {IJERPH},
	volume = {18},
	number = {14},
	year = {2021},
	pages = {7498-},
	abstract = {Urbanization, screen dependency, and the changing nature of childhood and parenting have led to increased time indoors, creating physical and emotional distancing from nature and time spent in natural environments. Substantial evidence from observational and intervention studies indicates that overall time spent in nature leads to increased perceived value for connectedness to nature and, subsequently, greater pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors (PEAB). This narrative review of the recent literature evaluates associations between time spent in nature with values ascribed to nature and nature connectedness, as well as PEAB. We discuss the influence of nature exposure and education in childhood on subsequent development of PEAB in adulthood. We analyze theoretical frameworks applied to this research as well as metrics employed, populations studied, and individual and societal values before presenting limitations of this research. We conclude with suggestions for future research directions based on current knowledge, underscoring the importance of promoting time spent in nature and PEAB in the face of growing challenges to planetary health. Research indicates that overall time spent in nature, regardless of the quality of environmental conditions, leads to increased perceived values ascribed to nature, which is associated with PEAB; however, this literature is predominantly cross-sectional. Furthermore, personal and social factors may influence PEAB. Thus, more longitudinal studies that consider these factors are needed to assess the duration and frequency of time spent in nature in childhood and its impact on PEAB throughout the life course. Identifying contexts which cultivate PEAB and reverse alienation from nature beginning in childhood may better sensitize adults to the urgency of environmental issues such as climate change, which adversely impact individual and environmental health.\&nbsp;},
	author = {DeVille, N. V. and Tomasso, L. P. and Stoddard, O. P. and Wilt, G. E. and Horton, T. H. and Wolf, K. L. and Brymer, E. and Kahn, P. and James, P.}
}
@article {679043,
	title = {The Relationship between Nature Deprivation and Individual Wellbeing across Urban Gradients under COVID-19},
	journal = {IJERPH},
	volume = {18},
	number = {4},
	year = {2021},
	pages = {1511},
	abstract = {Lockdown aiming at slowing COVID-19 transmission has altered nature accessibility patterns, creating quasi-experimental conditions to assess if retracted nature contact and perceived nature deprivation influence physical and emotional wellbeing. We measure through on-line survey methods (n\&nbsp;= 529) how pandemic mandates limiting personal movement and outdoor nature access within the United States affect self-assessed nature exposure, perceived nature deprivation, and subsequent flourishing as measured by the Harvard Flourishing Index. Results indicate that perceived nature deprivation strongly associates with local nature contact, time in nature, and access to municipal nature during the pandemic, after controlling for lockdown mandates, job status, household composition, and sociodemographic variables. Our hypothesis is that individuals with strong perceived nature deprivation under COVID-19 leads to diminished wellbeing proved true. Interaction models of flourishing showed positive modification of nature affinity with age and qualitative modification of nature deprivation with race. Our results demonstrate the potential of local nature contact to support individual wellbeing in a background context of emotional distress and social isolation, important in guiding public health policies beyond pandemics.},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041511},
	author = {Linda Powers Tomasso and Jie Yin and Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent and Jarvis T. Chen and Paul J. Catalano and John D. Spengler}
}
@article {679046,
	title = {Spatial Distribution of Land Surface Temperatures in Kuwait: Urban Heat and Cool Islands},
	journal = {IJERPH},
	volume = {17},
	number = {9},
	year = {2020},
	pages = {2993},
	abstract = {The global rise of urbanization has led to the formation of surface urban heat islands and surface urban cool islands. Urban heat islands have been shown to increase thermal discomfort, which increases heat stress and heat-related diseases. In Kuwait, a hyper-arid desert climate, most of the population lives in urban and suburban areas. In this study, we characterized the spatial distribution of land surface temperatures and investigated the presence of urban heat and cool effects in Kuwait. We used historical Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra satellite 8-day composite land surface temperature (LST) from 2001 to 2017. We calculated the average LSTs of the urban/suburban governorates and compared them to the average LSTs of the rural and barren lands. We repeated the analysis for daytime and nighttime LST. During the day, the temperature difference (urban/suburban minus versus governorates) was -1.1 {\textdegree}C (95\% CI; -1.2, -1.00,\&nbsp;p\&nbsp;\&lt; 0.001) indicating a daytime urban cool island. At night, the temperature difference (urban/suburban versus rural governorates) became 3.6 {\textdegree}C (95\% CI; 3.5, 3.7,\&nbsp;p\&nbsp;\&lt; 0.001) indicating a nighttime urban heat island. In light of rising temperatures in Kuwait, this work can inform climate change adaptation efforts in the country including urban planning policies, but also has the potential to improve temperature exposure assessment for future population health studies.\&nbsp;},
	url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17092993},
	author = {Alahmad, Barrak and Linda Powers Tomasso and Al-Hemoud, Ali and Peter James and Koutrakis, Petros}
}
@article {679048,
	title = {Psychological well-being as part of the public health debate? Insight into dimensions, interventions, and policy},
	journal = {BMC Public Health},
	volume = {19},
	year = {2019},
	pages = {1712},
	abstract = {This essay first reviews the empirical evidence regarding differential relationships between all-cause mortality and multiple dimensions of PWB (e.g., life purpose, mastery, positive affect, life satisfaction, optimism). Then, individual-level positive psychology interventions aimed at increasing PWB and tested in randomized-controlled trials are reviewed as these allow for easy implementation and potentially broad outreach to improve population well-being, in concert with efforts targeting other established social determinants of health.\&nbsp;Several PWB dimensions relate to mortality, with varying strength of evidence. Many of positive psychology trials indicate small-to-moderate improvements in PWB; rigorous institution-level interventions are comparatively few, but preliminary results suggest benefits as well. Examples of existing health policies geared towards the improvement of population well-being are also presented. Future avenues of well-being epidemiological and intervention research, as well as policy implications, are discussed.\&nbsp;Although research in the fields of behavioral and psychosomatic medicine, as well as health psychology have substantially contributed to the science of PWB, this body of work has been somewhat overlooked by the public health community. Yet, the growing interest in documenting well-being, in addition to examining its determinants and consequences at a population level may provoke a shift in perspective. To cultivate optimal well-being{\textemdash}mental, physical, social, and spiritual{\textemdash}consideration of a broader set of well-being measures, rigorous studies, and interventions that can be disseminated is critically needed.},
	url = {https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-8029-x},
	author = {Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald and Rachel A. Millstein and Christiana von Hippel and Chanelle J. Howe and Linda Powers Tomasso and Gregory R. Wagner and Tyler J. VanderWeele}
}
@inbook {679044,
	title = {Yueqing{\textquoteright}s Healthy Future: A Case Study in Design Planning for Healthy Urbanization},
	booktitle = {Lifelong Learning and Education in Healthy and Sustainable Cities },
	year = {2018},
	pages = {551-572},
	publisher = {World Sustainability Series, Springer },
	organization = {World Sustainability Series, Springer },
	abstract = {Yueqing{\textquoteright}s Healthy Future\&nbsp;is a context-based analysis for improving urban health against a background of unprecedented regional population transition in China{\textquoteright}s mid-tier cities. This extended case study considers how China{\textquoteright}s economic ascendancy, having ignited an epidemiological transition from communicable diseases more prevalent in rural areas toward largely preventable, non-communicable diseases typical of twenty-first century urban lifestyles, can facilitate more sustainable models of future urban development.\&nbsp;Yueqing{\textquoteright}s Healthy Future\&nbsp;begins as sustainable infrastructure design within a framework of measurable standards to intentionally redress China{\textquoteright}s environmental health crisis and resulting urban health problems. Key determinates for urban livability are amply addressed: urban infrastructure design, the built environment, the incorporation of nature, quality of life, and health and wellness. Prescriptive guidance to optimize urban health and long-term sustainability in the process of urban growth and development accompanies this case study: urban climate change resilience, urban mobility, and strategies for healthier buildings. This assessment includes recommendations by a joint research team from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Although these proposals reflect actual climatic, ecological, and environmental policy conditions of Yueqing, China and thus are tailored to improve that city{\textquoteright}s sustainability profile, the recommendations may inform urban projects elsewhere with similar urban infrastructure and ecological conditions already in place.},
	author = {Linda Powers Tomasso and Christina Contreras Casado and Judith Rodriguez and Jie Yin and Julia Kane Africa}
}
@article {679045,
	title = {The Impact of Land Use Change for Greenhouse Gas Inventories and State-Level Climate Mediation Policy: A GIS Methodology Applied to Connecticut},
	journal = {Journal of Environmental Protection},
	volume = {5},
	number = {17},
	year = {2014},
	pages = {1572},
	abstract = {Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories conducted at state and regional levels serve to quantify long- term emissions trends and set benchmarks against which to evaluate the effectiveness of state government-mandated emissions reductions. GHG inventories which incompletely account for land use, land change, and forestry (LUCF) due to insufficient measurement tools discount the value of terrestrial carbon (C) sinks. In consequence, sink preservation is often omitted from regional land use planning. This paper proposes an accounting methodology which estimates foregone C sequestration derived LUCF change in the southern New England State of Connecticut (CT). The Natural Capital Project{\textquoteright}s InVEST program provided a template for modeling C storage and sequestration for CT{\textquoteright}s land class categories. LandSat mapping of long-term land cover patterns in CT conducted by CLEAR at the University of CT served as input data for InVEST computer modeling of C sequestration, both realized and foregone due to LUCF.},
	author = {Linda Powers Tomasso and Mark Leighton}
}
