Characterizing Nature and Participant Experience in Studies of Nature Exposure for Positive Mental Health: An Integrative Review.

ABSTRACT: A growing number of studies demonstrate significant associations between nature experiences and positive mental health outcomes (e.g., improved mood, decreased stress). However, implementation of this research by practitioners in fields such as urban design or public health has been limited. One reason for this is that it remains unclear what elements of nature and types of participant experience are consistently associated with mental health benefits. As a result, decision-makers who aim to enhance mental health in cities have little guidance about which elements of nature and types of experiences in natural areas may lead to positive mental health outcomes. We reviewed 30 studies with 41 distinct exposures in nature that elicited positive mental health benefits and characterized the elem

SUBMITTER: Barnes MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6329281 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature