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Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 23021

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Claire Henderson-Wilson

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Guest Editor

Associate Professor, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
Interests: human and planetary health benefits of contact with the natural environment; climate change and mental health; animal-assisted interventions

Dr. Justin Lawson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
Interests: contact with nature; nature-based interventions; eco-health; ecological–cultural determinants of health; spirituality and nature

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For many decades, researchers from a variety of disciplines have investigated the nature–health link. In 1986, E.O. Wilson redefined the term ‘biophilia’ to explain the link and defined it is as the inborn affinity human beings have for other life forms. More recently, Frances Kuo Ming (2015) proposed that the nature–health link is comprised of active ingredients (e.g., phytoncides), combined with physiological, psychological states, and behavioural conditions (e.g., immune function and attention), which results in a range of health outcomes (e.g., increased healing and decreased anxiety). Viewing, spending time in, or actively interacting with nature provides a range of human health and wellbeing benefits such as reduced stress; reduced respiratory illness and allergies; improved self-reported wellbeing; reduced risk of poor mental health; improved social cohesion; and improved cognitive ability. In addition to the human health benefits of contact with nature, there are flow-on environmental benefits which enhance and restore ecosystem services, particularly through environmental volunteering.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present recent research that explores the range of human and environmental health and wellbeing benefits of a contact with nature (this can include passive or active interaction). ‘Health and wellbeing’ can encompass several dimensions, including physical, mental, social, and spiritual. In keeping with the scope of the journal, this Special Issue also aims to explore the environmental or ecosystem benefits of a contact with nature.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research themes may include (but are not limited to) the following:

-Augmented reality/virtual reality and nature;

-Blue spaces;

-Environmental volunteering;

-Forest therapy;

-Green prescriptions;

-Green spaces;

-Indigenous place-based activities;

-Landscape and emotions;

-Mental health and wellbeing;

-Natural environment and exposome;

-Nature-based interventions;

-Nature-based solutions;

-Physical health and wellbeing;

-Planetary health;

-Social health and wellbeing;

-Spiritual health and wellbeing.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

References:

Kuo Ming, F. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway, Frontiers in Psychology, 6; DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093

Wilson, E. O. (1986). Biophilia – the human bond with other species. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.

Dr. Claire Henderson-Wilson
Dr. Justin Lawson
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

human health
planetary health
wellbeing
nature contact
green spaces

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online, Experiential Sustainability Education Can Improve Students’ Self-Reported Environmental Attitudes, Behaviours and Wellbeing

by Francesca Douglas, Kim Beasy, Kate Sollis and Emily J. Flies

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062258 - 8 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1885

Abstract

Educating for sustainability is a critical step in moving towards a more sustainable future for humanity. As higher education moves into the online space, education for sustainability can reach larger and more diverse audiences; the University of Tasmania’s Diploma of Sustainable Living is one such example. However, while sustainability education has the potential to impact student attitudes and behaviours about sustainability, these impacts are rarely evaluated. Here, we present the outcome of a study evaluating the impacts of taking a fully online unit, Backyard Biodiversity (KPZ006), part of the Diploma of Sustainable Living. In this study, we analyse 265 paired, before-after surveys to examine changes in student biodiversity knowledge, attitudes (including connectedness to nature), pro-environmental behaviours, and wellbeing. We found statistically significant increases in students’ subjective knowledge and agency around biodiversity management and sustainability attitudes, including the perceived importance of biodiversity and nature connectedness. Students also reported more pro-environmental behaviours after taking the unit and many believed that taking the unit improved their wellbeing. We attribute these impacts to the unit design, which emphasised nature-based experiential learning designed to facilitate wellbeing benefits. While this study is specific to our online unit and the students who completed the survey, the results suggest that sustainability education—even fully online units—if carefully designed can create real-world impacts for sustainability and student wellbeing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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17 pages, 1179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multidimensional Approach to Strengthening Connectedness with Nature in Everyday Life: Evaluating the Earthfulness Challenge

by Bernadette F. van Heel, Riyan J. G. van den Born and Noelle Aarts

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031119 - 29 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3445

Abstract

Connectedness with nature benefits not only human health and well-being, but also our engagement with and taking action for nature. Despite the importance of nature in everyday life, we are increasingly disconnected from nature. Consequently, the calls to reconnect with nature are increasingly loud, but how can we reconnect with nature in the midst of a busy (urban) life? In order to answer this question, we sought to contribute to understanding how people express their connectedness with nature in different contexts and how this can be strengthened through multiple pathways. To do so we used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate, with the use of leverage points, the experiences of people who participated in the Earthfulness program, a 21-day challenge with exercises to strengthen their connectedness with nature in everyday life. Earthfulness participants already felt a relatively strong connectedness with nature at the start of the challenge, and they sought ways to solidify, sustain, express, and enrich that connectedness. By participating in the challenge, people experienced a stronger connectedness with nature, expressed more dimensions of connectedness with nature, and indicated an increased willingness to act for nature. Participants identified gratitude, a reciprocal relationship with nature, and humility as drivers of their willingness to act for nature. We conclude that there are various pathways to strengthen connectedness and that leverage points represent a useful lens through which to study, understand, and implement this diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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12 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping with the Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change: A Green Script for Sustainable Action

by Hasini Gunasiri, Rebecca Patrick, Rhonda Garad, Joanne Enticott, Graham Meadows and Tristan Snell

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031022 - 25 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2502

Abstract

The climate emergency is an existential threat to human health and environmental sustainability. Recent climate-induced events, such as Australia’s catastrophic bushfires of 2019–2020 and floods of 2022, demonstrate the impacts of the climate crisis on physical and mental health of populations. Using a cross-sectional online survey (N = 5483), we examine how Australians are coping with climate change impacts on mental health. The survey included qualitative questions (open-ended comment boxes and ‘other’ spaces throughout the survey) and quantitative questions (e.g., Likert and bipolar scales) on demographics and the mental health impacts of climate change, environmental behaviour engagement (EBE), and mental health help-seeking (MHHS). Australians are using a range of individual and collective coping strategies to help cope with climate change problems, experiences, and anxiety. They have developed a range of coping strategies including contact with nature, taking sustainability actions, practicing problem-focused and meaning-focused coping, and mental health help-seeking, that need to be understood and reinforced by health professionals. Our findings also highlight a link between direct experience of a climate change event and participants’ EBE and MHHS. We recommend assessment processes and green prescribing as a sustainability action intervention framework that health professionals can offer as a response to ongoing community concern about climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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16 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greener Neighbourhoods Show Resilience to the Spread but Not Severity of COVID-19 Infection in South Africa

by Bopaki Phogole and Kowiyou Yessoufou

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914508 - 5 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1946

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 quickly spread around the globe, with staggering infection and mortality rates. Given the reported benefits of greenness to human health, we hypothesized that greener neighbourhoods would suffer less from COVID-19 infection and severity than not. We modelled COVID-19 infection and severity in South Africa by fitting Generalized Linear Mixed Effects models to various socio-demographic and greenness data (EVI, i.e., Enhanced Vegetation Index, and tree and grass covers) collected from January 2020 to June 2022 at local municipalities, Wards, and districts scales. We found that income level showed a significant negative association with COVID-19 prevalence at the Ward level, suggesting that poorer neighbourhoods are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. We also found that EVI and tree cover consistently showed a significant negative correlation with COVID-19 infection rate, irrespective of the scale of analysis, whereas grass cover showed a similar pattern but only at the Ward scale. Finally, we found that neither EVI, grass cover, nor tree cover showed a significant association with COVID-19 severity. Overall, greener neighbourhoods show greater resilience to the spread of COVID-19, suggesting that exposure to greenness may boost natural killer cells in the human body, thus reinvigorating our defence system against infections. Our results re-enforced the need to establish and preserve greens paces particularly in the developing world, given their ability to buffer the spread of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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14 pages, 6303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uneven Distribution of Urban Green Spaces in Relation to Marginalization in Mexico City

by Cristina Ayala-Azcarraga, Daniel Diaz, Tania Fernandez, Fernando Cordova-Tapia and Luis Zambrano

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612652 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3246

Abstract

The present study examines the spatial distribution and level of accessibility of urban green spaces (UGSs) within the context of Mexico City, with a particular focus on their relationship with marginalization. The study examined five distinct categories of UGSs based on their size and subsequently analyzed their total surface area per capita in relation to their correlation with the marginalization index. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, and correlations were computed to investigate the relationships between variables. We found 1353 UGSs accessible for public use with a total area of 2643 ha. Seventy-four percent of them had <1 ha of surface area, and 51% were located in only three municipalities that were mostly middle- and high-income. These municipalities concentrated a higher area of green spaces per capita. We found a negative correlation between the marginality index and the area of UGSs per municipality; the lower the marginality index was, the higher the area of green spaces. These results suggest that a bad distribution of UGSs can increase environmental injustice since urban environmental services are unequally distributed, affecting particularly marginalized populations. This research is a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge regarding the accessibility of UGSs in Mexico City, particularly in connection to marginalized communities. It emphasizes the significance of this topic in the context of environmental justice, urban sustainability, and the formulation of urban policy decisions. By engaging with these concerns, individuals can strive to foster a city that promotes fairness and well-being for all of its residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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21 pages, 7899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Evaluation of Cultural Ecosystem Services in Zhengzhou Urban Parks Based on Public Perceptions

by Lili Song, Moyu Wu, Yingying Wu, Xiaoyun Xu and Changfei Xie

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11964; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511964 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2112

Abstract

Urban parks are the primary green infrastructure for urban residents to pursue psychological restoration, promote health, relax and connect with nature. The various cultural ecosystem services (CES) provided by urban parks directly impact people’s health and well-being. Understanding the correlation between CES provided by urban parks and the different characteristics of specific groups can promote public willingness to engage with the nature and their health and well-being, and the effective information provided by CES can be used to protect and improve specific or traditional areas of parks. This study focuses on two urban parks (People’s Park and Xiliu Lake Park) located in the central urban area of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. A questionnaire survey and participatory mapping methods were employed to explore the priority for 10 types of CES among both local residents and visitors, aiming to reveal the public demand for CES in urban parks and provide a basis for the landscape design or renovation of urban parks. The results show that (1) the main purposes for the public visiting the parks are mental relaxation, scenery appreciation, and leisure and fitness. (2) The public has a rich perception of various types of CES in the urban parks, especially in terms of entertainment and aesthetic value. (3) The impact of education level on cultural services was substantial. (4) The trade-offs and synergies of CES of urban parks are complex and diverse. (5) The public’s perception of urban park CES and spatial value tend to be similar, with a wide distribution. Therefore, to maintain urban sustainable development, urban managers and landscape designers should consider different perspectives on CES provided by urban park stakeholders and enhance their CES through landscape design and renovation practices in urban parks, thereby improving the health and well-being of the public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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14 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Key Principles for the Design and Implementation of Nature Prescription Programs

by Hope Foley, Matthew Leach, Xiaoqi Feng, Thomas Astell-Burt and Eric Brymer

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9530; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129530 - 14 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

The health benefits of nature are well recognised. However, nature prescriptions (nature-based health interventions) are not routine in many health systems. We interviewed health stakeholders (n = 13) who prescribe and provide nature prescriptions, to identify enablers and barriers surrounding nature prescriptions in Australia. Participants emphasised the importance of collaboration between health disciplines, community, government and industry sectors, alongside appropriate infrastructure. Patient-centred, accessible care supporting behavioural change and social wellbeing was enabling. Participants identified a need for increased awareness, accessible local resources and responsiveness regarding climate change. The findings reveal key considerations to inform effective implementation of nature prescribing for enhanced community health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

17 pages, 4098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Healing Effect Evaluation of Campus’ Small-Scale Courtyard Based on the Method of Semantic Differential and the Perceived Restorative Scale

by Ying Cao and Lianghao Huang

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8369; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108369 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1997

Abstract

Many studies have proven that campus green space has healing effects, but there are few evaluation studies on the healing effects of a small-scale courtyard landscape on a high-density campus. This research comprehensively employs the method of semantic differential (SD method) and the perceived restorative scale (PRS) to construct an evaluation framework based on environmental preference and restorative evaluation in order to quantify the healing capability of small-scale campus landscapes. The findings demonstrate the following: (1) Plants close to or higher than human visual height, such as trees or shrubs, will lead to a better healing effect than lawns. An irregular layout of the plants can also bring a more beautiful aesthetic and better light than a monotonous layout, thus more strongly diverting people’s attention from pressure. (2) Users’ preferences for activity space do not depend on the scale of the activity space. (3) “Perceived quality” and “Experienced quality” represent the healing quality of the courtyard in terms of abstract feelings or atmospheres that are difficult to distinguish directly. In addition to expanding and deepening the concept of restorative space elements, this research provides some guidance for the design of healing courtyards in high-density campus environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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Review

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14 pages, 468 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nature-Based Interventions for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review Centering Autistic Adults

by Megan Dennis, Claire Henderson-Wilson, Joanne Watson and Justin T. Lawson

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031077 - 26 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2351

Abstract

Autistic adults often face higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and reduced levels of quality of life and employment in comparison to their neurotypical peers. Nature-based interventions (NBIs), which utilize outdoor environments and activities for health and wellbeing outcomes, could provide possibilities to meet these various needs. This study therefore aims to identify the extent of academic literature examining NBIs for autistic adults. A scoping review of peer-reviewed articles published between 1985 and 2023 was conducted. Ten databases were systematically searched, and additional hand searching was conducted. Studies involving substantial engagement with an NBI and involving autistic adults (age ≥ 18), or developmental disability if specific diagnosis was not identified, were included. A total of seven studies were identified; however, three studies did not refer to autism specifically, identifying developmental disability more broadly. NBIs were conducted in a variety of international locations and involved a diverse range of activities and outcomes. While NBIs can provide outcomes relevant to employment, health, and wellbeing, multiple limitations and literature gaps are noted. The findings indicate a strong need for further research specific to autism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Environmental Benefits of Contact with Nature)

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