Wellbeing and Connectivity to Nature: Exploring Archetypal Emergence Using Digital Generative Art

Abstract

Carl G. Jung theorized an underlying unified reality from which everything emerges and to which everything returns. He called this theory of a one-world reality Unus Mundus. Accordingly, the archetypal symbol formation he hypothesized would extend beyond the human psyche to the natural and technological worlds. With the ever-expanding reach of technological advancements and dependence on the internet, humans’ disconnection from the environment and each other seems to be growing This is especially evident since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This pilot intervention model explores ways that digital art making, or generative art might be used as a therapeutic tool to influence feelings of connectivity to the natural world and impact human mood states. The model was inspired by concerns about climate change and its effect on people living near environmental disaster sites across the planet. During this 6-week, multi phased process, individuals engaged in online group sessions and participated in independent activities with nature that use three algorithmic computer programs utilized for making digital generative art. The findings observed in the data from this pilot intervention study suggest that this technology-based intervention model improves participants’ sense of well-being and increases feelings of attachment to the environment.