Bibliography: Nature’s Role In Promoting Resilience, Regulation And Recovery
An Annotated Bibliography of Recent Academic Literature
Research studies included in this annotated bibliography support the understanding that connecting children with nature promotes their mental health and well-being and that this can be especially helpful for children who need to cope with stressful adverse conditions and the emotional responses that their life situations evoke. Such conditions can include poverty, neglect, violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance abuse problems. Children experiencing such conditions often experience toxic stress which can negatively impact brain development and weaken the body’s ability to respond to stressful situations. A multidisciplinary body of research indicates that increased nature exposure and engagement can be effective in helping children deal with stress and anxiety.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) – including poverty, violence, abuse, illness and hospitalization, migration, and out-of-home placement – are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. Interventions for children with ACEs are thus of utmost importance to prevent or minimize such negative outcomes. Research supports the idea that nearby nature may help children cope with adversity and that different forms of engagement with nature can reduce stress and anxiety. Nature-based interventions for children with ACEs include the use of gardens and forests for healing, opportunities to care for animals, and family outdoor leisure activities. Individual studies as well as reviews of the research indicate that nature may serve as a protective factor before the harmful impacts of ACEs on development occur.
Gaminiesfahani, H., Lozanovska, M., & Tucker, R. (2020). A scoping review of the impact on children of the built environment design characteristics of healing spaces. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 13(4).
This review of the research focused on ways in which the architecture of healthcare facilities can impact the well-being of children during their treatment experience. Nine health-promoting elements were identified: (1) noise, (2) music, (3) lighting, (4) gardens and nature, (5) crowding, (6) color, (7) spatial needs, (8) play and distraction, and (9) art. Of these, the most frequently mentioned element was healing gardens. Several other elements were also nature related, including natural lighting and nature-related art. This research suggests that connection to nature acts as a buffer between life stressors and psychological distress. Several of the reviewed papers reported that having direct or even indirect access to nature can reduce pain and stress, enhance social functioning, and promote an increased sense of control in healthcare environments.
Gilligan, C. & Downes, P. (2021). Reconfiguring relational space: A qualitative study of the benefits of caring for hens for the socio- emotional development of 5 – 9-year-old children in an urban junior school context of high socio-economic exclusion. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning.
This study addressed a concern about the lack of research on the impact of care for animals on young children and on children facing socio-economic exclusion. The study involved a group of 5– 9-year-old children with a mixed range of socio-emotional and educational needs attending a school in an area of high socio-economic marginalization in Dublin, Ireland. An animal-care project at the school allowed the children to actively participate in caring for hens. Researchers used focus group discussions with children and interviews with teachers to evaluate socio-emotional benefits of keeping hens in school. Focus group results indicated that the benefits for children included gains in responsibility, empathy, respect for the natural world, cooperation, and relaxation. These same benefits were noted by the teachers, who also reported improvement in motivation and peer-assisted learning processes. These findings support other research indicating that involving children in the care of animals can be an effective intervention for promoting their socio-emotional development.
Hong, J., Park, S. & An, M. (2021). Are forest healing programs useful in promoting children’s emotional welfare? The interpersonal relationships of children in foster care. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.
This study investigated the impacts of forest healing programs on the psychological health of children in foster care. Forest healing programs include activities that use a variety of natural components to raise the immunity of the human body and to promote health. Close to 4000 children (middle-school aged or older) participated in this study. All of the children were in foster care in South Korea and had participated in a program offered by the National Therapy Forests and National Center for Forest Therapy. The program was offered 72 times from 2015 to 2018 at National Forest Therapy sites. Most of the children were living in shelters located in urban environments. Self-report surveys completed before and after the program showed a statistically significant overall increase in interpersonal relationship skills. Parameters addressed on the assessment tool included friendliness, sensitivity, understandability, credibility, openness, and communication. This study supports other research showing that forest healing programs can improve the well-being of children, including children living in urban areas. This report includes a listing and brief description of 25 specific activities used in the forest healing programs.
Hurly, J. & Walker, G. J. (2019). “When you see nature, nature gives you something inside”: The role of nature-based leisure in fostering refugee well-being in Canada. Leisure Science, 41(4), 260-277.
Refugee families, after experiencing trauma in their own countries, often face serious resettlement stress in their new country. This study investigated the impact of nature-based leisure on the well-being of refugees in Canada from a psychosocial perspective. Participants included three refugees from African countries and one from Iran. Two were women with children. All had experienced significant personal trauma, religious or racial discrimination, and persecution before arriving in Canada. The leisure activity designed for this group of refugees consisted of a two-day winter camping experience in northern Canada. The goal was to introduce refugees to outdoor leisure as a way to reduce stress, build community, and alleviate social isolation. Positive feedback from the participants indicated that they found the experience to be a healthy distraction from their daily lives. The involvement of children enhanced the parents’ experience and increased their willingness to try activities. Overall findings suggest that developing nature-based leisure opportunities for refugees may promote their well-being and sense of belonging.
Poulsen, D. V., Lygum, V. L., Djernis, H. G. & Stigsdotter, U. K. (2020). Nature is just around us! Development of an educational program for implementation of nature-based activities at a crisis shelter for women and children exposed to domestic violence. Journal of Social Work Practice.
In 2016, the research group of the University of Copenhagen worked with a crisis shelter in Denmark to implement a program based on the therapeutic use of nature for the recovery of women and children exposed to domestic violence. This paper describes the innovative process used in developing the educational program for staff, leading to the implementation of nature-based therapy activities at the shelter. The authors contend that “a systematic learning program planned and conducted in cooperation between the staff at a crisis shelter and the researchers within the field of nature and health is a beneficial way of implementing the use of nature-activities as a healing factor for women and children in a crisis shelter.” They also believe that developing qualifications related to nature-based therapy and the use of a nature-rich environment might be helpful for social workers and strengthen their competences in working with women and children exposed to domestic violence.
Song, M. K., Bang, K.S., Kim, S., Lee, G. & Jeong, Y. (2020). Effects of an urban forest-based health promotion program on children living in group homes. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(6), 18-29.
This pilot study investigated the effects of an urban forest-based health promotion program on children living in group homes in Korea. Three outcome areas were investigated: health, psychological health, and connectedness to nature. Eight children across three group homes participated in the study.
The program consisted of eight weekly two-hour sessions of group-based activities in nearby urban forests. Pre- and post-questionnaires completed by the participants included assessments in the areas of health, self-esteem, depression, perceived stress, restoration, and connectedness to nature. Individual, semi-structured interviews conducted after the intervention focused on the program participation experience. Analysis of the quantitative and qualitative results of this small sample showed that “the program contributed to positive changes in the children’s emotional and social health and attitudes toward nature.” Only, the changes in restoration were statistically significant, indicating that the program was somewhat effective in improving children’s psychological health. This report provides some specific information about the types of activities used in the forest-based program along with the objectives of the activities.
Touloumakos, A. K. & Barrable, A. (2020). Adverse childhood experiences: The protective and therapeutic potential of nature. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1-9.
Researchers conducted a review of the literature focusing on applications of nature as a protective or therapeutic intervention for children who had experienced adverse childhood experience (ACEs) and/or trauma. Findings indicate that (1) children with adversity tend to experience poor physiological and often psychopathological outcomes; (2) children and adults at-risk or diagnosed with physical, emotional, and/or cognitive difficulties can benefit from therapeutic nature-based interventions; and (3) there appear to be no specific interventions for children with ACEs. The researchers conclude that nature engagement may serve as a protective factor before the harmful impacts of ACEs on development occur, but that more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. They conclude by offering some mechanisms of action for practitioners and researchers interested in pursuing this line of thinking.
Self-regulation generally refers to the ability to understand and manage behaviors and reactions to emotions and circumstances. Self-regulation also includes the ability to control impulses and to focus attention. Research supports the idea that nature can help children develop skills related to self-regulation, including adaptability and inhibitory control.
Carr, V., Brown, R.D., Schlembach, S. & Kochanowski, L. (2017). Nature by design: Playscape affordances support the use of executive function in preschoolers. Children, Youth and Environments, 27(2), 25-46.
Sixty-five children (age 3-5) from two different programs participated in a study investigating how the structure and affordances of a playscape impacted the interactions and actions of children’s play, particularly in relation to executive function (EF) skills. Both of the participating programs serve children from low-income families. Data was based on videotaped vignettes of children at play in two different outdoor playscapes. The vignettes provided examples of children setting their own goals, solving problems, focusing attention, and demonstrating cognitive flexibility. There were also examples of children showing inhibitory control, initiation, flexibility, working memory, planning and organization, and monitoring. The affordances within the playscape (such as logs and tree cookies) promoted the exercise of EF skills. This research indicates that “playscapes can be executive function-enhancing environments.”
Faber Taylor, A. & Butts-Wilmsmeyer, C. (2020). Self-regulation gains in kindergarten related to frequency of green schoolyard use. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 70.
This study addressed a concern about the lack of research on the impact of care for animals on young children and on children facing socio-economic exclusion. The study involved a group of 5– 9-year-old children with a mixed range of socio-emotional and educational needs attending a school in an area of high socio-economic marginalization in Dublin, Ireland. An animal-care project at the school allowed the children to actively participate in caring for hens. Researchers used focus group discussions with children and interviews with teachers to evaluate socio-emotional benefits of keeping hens in school. Focus group results indicated that the benefits for children included gains in responsibility, empathy, respect for the natural world, cooperation, and relaxation. These same benefits were noted by the teachers, who also reported improvement in motivation and peer-assisted learning processes. These findings support other research indicating that involving children in the care of animals can be an effective intervention for promoting their socio-emotional development.
Nature-based therapy – or ecotherapy – uses contact with nature as a part of the therapeutic process. This approach to therapy is based on research indicating that contact with nature enhances various aspects of well-being and can alleviate some mental health disorders or concerns. Nature-based therapy is based on the principles of ecopsychology which focuses on our interconnectedness with the Earth. Nature-based therapy can take different forms, including horticulture therapy, animal-assisted interventions, care farms, wilderness therapy, nature play, forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), park prescriptions, blue space interventions (water-based), and nature-focused arts and crafts.
Britton, E., Kindermann, G., Domegan, C., & Caitriona, C. (2020). Blue care: A systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing. Health Promotion International, 35, 50-69.
This systematic review of the literature focused on blue space (water) interventions specifically designed and structured with a therapeutic purpose for individuals with a defined need. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Populations studied included children, youth, and adults with various health and well-being issues, including addiction, aggressive behaviors, depression, and other mental health concerns. Interventions ranged from a one-day activity to a six-month program. Most of the interventions took place in marine or coastal environments. Surfing was the most common type of intervention. Other interventions included Dragon Boat Racing, sailing, fishing, and kayaking. The majority of studies found a positive or weak association between blue care and indicators of health and wellbeing. Some studies found evidence for greater social connectedness during and after interventions, but these results were inconsistent and mixed across studies. Only a few studies reported improved physical health. Overall results show that blue care can have direct benefits for health, especially mental health and psycho-social wellbeing.
Chaudhury, P. & Banerjee, D. (2020). “Recovering with nature”: A review of ecotherapy and implications for the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health, 8.
This paper presents an overview of techniques, applications and challenges related to ecotherapy in psychology. Ecotherapy is based on research indicating that contact with nature enhances various aspects of well-being and can alleviate some mental health disorders or concerns. Different forms of ecotherapy outlined in the literature include horticulture, animal-assisted interventions, care farms, wilderness therapy, and nature-focused arts and crafts. Some of the health and well-being concerns addressed in ecotherapy programs include depression, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, pain reduction, and overall life satisfaction. The paper includes a discussion about how ecotherapy can be beneficial in improving emotional healing during the COVID-19 crisis.
Crnic, M. & Kondo, M.C. (2019). Nature Rx: Reemergence of pediatric nature-based therapeutic programs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. American Journal of Public Health, 109(10), 1371-1378.
The term “Nature Rx” or “nature prescription” may be new to the academic literature, but the concept of looking to nature for the health benefits it provides isn’t new. Prescriptions for the therapeutic use of nature were popular in some US cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This paper discusses the importance of learning lessons from the past in order to improve the chances of success for current nature prescription programs. Lessons from the past call attention to the importance of providing needed resources – such as accessible parks – and building on existing social networks. Lessons from the past also tell us that nature and its health-related benefits aren’t easily quantified with scientific measures. The authors highlight the importance of pursuing “the role of nature not only in physiological processes but also in general well-being and in our common social history.”
Kondo, M.C., Oyekanmi, K.O., Gibson, A., South, E.C., Bocarro, J. & Hipp, J.A. (2020). Nature prescriptions for health: A review of evidence and research opportunities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17.
This review of the published literature examined the evidence base regarding nature prescription programs with a clinical component offered in out-patient settings. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria: eight empirical studies; one case study; and two research protocols. Two different types of nature prescriptions were identified: (1) prescriptions for structured programs and (2) unstructured prescriptions. Overall results call attention to the fact that nature prescription programs are growing faster than the evidence base to support and guide such programs. More research is necessary to understand different facets of nature prescription programs, including how to measure and increase patient adherence, how to determine short and long-term health outcomes for patients and their families, and what determines provider participation.
Masterton, W., Carver, H., Parks, T. & Park, K. (2020). Greenspace interventions for mental health in clinical and non-clinical populations: What works, for whom, and in what circumstances? Health and Place, 64, 1-19.
The aim of this review of the literature was to synthesize the international evidence for greenspace interventions for mental health in both clinical and non-clinical populations. A specific objective was to develop initial program theories and then test and refine these theories using both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Seven program theories were identified and then organized around three overarching themes: Nature; Individual Self; and Social Self. Researchers used this organizational format to develop a conceptual framework for greenspace interventions for mental health. This framework can be used as a greenspace intervention guide for what works, for whom, and in what circumstances.
Naor, L. & Mayseless, O. (2020). The art of working with nature in nature-based therapies. Journal of Experiential Education.
Nature-based therapy generally looks to the significance of nature as a unique setting. This study considered an additional aspect – that is, nature as actively influencing the therapeutic process. The study focused on how practitioners experience, perceive, and work with nature to address therapeutic goals. Twenty-six nature-based practitioners with different professional backgrounds from five countries participated in in-depth interviews about their therapeutic processes in nature. While the interviews were the main source of data, field observations were also conducted during six nature-based workshops. In analyzing the data, the researchers identified four major categories: (a) a basic belief that nature is actively influencing the therapeutic process; (b) the practitioners’ relationship with nature and its role in the therapeutic process; (c) the practice of working with nature so nature’s input is acknowledged and integrated intentionally; (d) creating the conditions for the clients’ engagement with nature as a resource. Several specific operational and practical steps practitioners can use in nature-based therapy are offered.
Razani, N., Niknam, K., Wells, N.M., Thompson, D., Hills, N.K., Kennedy, G., Gilgoff, R. & Rutherford, G.W. (2019). Clinic and park partnerships for childhood resilience: A prospective study of park prescriptions. Health & Place, 57, 179-185.
This study investigated whether increased park visits might alleviate toxic stress in low-income children and bolster their resilience. The study was based on data from a group of 54 parents and children receiving services through a pediatric clinic with a park prescription program for low-income families. Data collection extended over a period of three months and included information about the number of child’s park visits per week, a baseline ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) score, parental stress and coping, and children’s resilience and stress. Findings showed a strong association between parental stress and child stress. Results also showed that every increase in weekly park visits led to a significant increase in children’s resilience. As resilience scores increased, child stress scores decreased, providing some indication that childhood stress partially mediates the relationship between park visits and resilience. The overall findings indicate that park prescriptions may be effective in addressing pediatric stress and resilience and that parks may be a potential community resource for pediatricians serving children experiencing stress.
Rosa, C. D., Larson, L. R., Collado, S. & Profice, C. C. (2021). Forest therapy can prevent and treat depression: Evidence from meta-analyses. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 57.
Researchers conducted a study of systematic reviews (SRs) and a meta-analysis of primary studies included in the SRs to investigate the effect of forest therapy on depression. They differentiated forest therapy from forest exposure, forest exercise, and forest walking. They defined forest therapy as a combination of activities in a forest to improve one’s health or wellbeing. Thirteen studies from four SRs met the eligibility criteria. All were conducted in the Republic of Korea; and only one included children. The meta-analysis focused on the forest therapy’s capacity to reduce depressive symptoms in comparison to no intervention/usual care and four alternative interventions. Findings showed that the effect of forest therapy on depression is greater than the effect of any alternative intervention.
Shanahan, D.F., Astell–Burt, T., Barber, E.A., Brymer, E., Cox, D.T.C., Dean, J., Depledge, M., Fuller, R.A., Hartig, T., Irvine, K.N., Jones, A., Kikillus, H., Lovell, R., Mitchell, R. & Niemela, J. (2019). Nature-based interventions for improving health and wellbeing: The purpose, the people and the outcomes. Sports, 7(6).
Nineteen experts from seven countries participated in a Delphi expert elicitation process to identify the different forms that nature-based health interventions (NBIs) take, the potential health outcomes of these interventions, and the target beneficiaries. Twenty-seven NBIs, representing two broad categories, were identified – some focusing on changes to the environment; others on changing behaviors. Changing the environment included such initiatives as providing gardens in hospitals and parks in cities. NBIs designed to change behavior included such nature-related programs as park prescriptions and wilderness therapy. Included in this report is a listing of target beneficiaries of the NBIs ranging from preschool through elderly adults. Also included is a listing of intervention goals relating to a broad range of physical, mental, emotional, and social health-related outcomes. The desired outcomes are paired with type of intervention and targeted beneficiaries.
Swank, J. M., Walker, K. L. A., & Shin, S. M. (2020). Indoor nature-based play therapy: Taking the natural world inside the playroom. International Journal of Play Therapy, 29(3), 155-162.
A recent study examining the use of nature-based counseling (NBC) practices among over 400 helping professionals found that 69% of the participants used natural elements within their indoor counseling space. Some clinicians used natural sounds, guided imagery involving nature, and technological nature. Nature engagement during an indoor counseling session may range from being present to nature to actively interacting with natural materials. According to the clinicians, positive results for the clients included greater focus, new insights, and feeling more creative and relaxed. Positive outcomes of a child-centered play therapy program for behavioral and self-esteem concerns included progress in self-efficacy and interest in connecting with a friend. These results provide initial support for integrating nature into the counseling session, including the playroom. This report provides some specific suggestions, considerations, and cautions relating to the use of natural materials and live animals in an indoor counseling session.
Walshe, N., Lee, E. & Smith, M. J. (2020). Supporting children’s well-being with art in nature: Artist pedagogue perceptions. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 14(1), 98-112.
Nature-based art activities are supported by research showing a positive link between nature and well-being and between art and well-being. While there are a few examples in the literature of strategies promoting emotional well-being through a combination of nature and art, most of this work focuses on adults versus children. This research explored the implications of artist pedagogues’ perceptions of their nature-based practice for children’s well-being. Data collected through “Talk and Draw” group conversations and individual interviews with artist pedagogues found that the pedagogues perceive nature-based art activities to be effective in promoting agency, developing confidence, and providing inspiration to support creativity. While these findings are based on a small-scale qualitative study, they provide enough evidence to support the idea that nature-based art activities have the potential to promote children’s well-being and possibly prevent and/or treat such mental health concerns as depression and anxiety.
Parents and families play a critical role in promoting children’s mental health and well-being. Research indicates that family-focused nature-based activities can promote enhanced communication and other aspects of positive family functioning.
Cameron-Faulkner, T., Melville, J., Gattis, M. (2018). Responding to nature: Natural environments improve parent-child communication. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 59, 9-15.
Eighteen parent-child pairs participated in a study focusing on their verbal communication in two different environments – an outdoor natural environment and a nature-focused indoor environment. The two environments have similar themes, and both offer similar affordances for hands-on activities. Video cameras worn by the children (age 3- 4) and the parents captured their verbal communication during 15-minute explorations in the two environments. An analysis of the recordings showed that the children were significantly more talkative in the natural environment than in the indoor environment and that parent-child connected communication episodes were significantly longer in the natural environment. These findings indicate that the natural environment enhanced the interactive aspects of parent-child communication.
Chen, C., Yuan, Z. & Zhu, H. (2019). Playing, parenting and family leisure in parks: Exploring emotional geographies of families in Guangzhou Children’s Park, China. Children’s Geographies, 18(4).
Researchers used on-site observations, semi-structured interviews, and parents’ online postings of their experiences with their children in Guangzhou Children’s Park in China to investigate the impact of the parents’ presence during play at the park. Findings indicated that their parents’ presence gave children a sense of family and companionship, as well as a sense of being emotionally supported while playing. While parents expressed concerns about safety issues in the park, they also appreciated ways in which being in the park with their children provided them with opportunities to “recall memories of their own childhood and obtain emotional recovery.” These findings support the idea that “play spaces are not only places where children play, but also where family life and childhood are ‘built’.”
Izenstark, D. & Ebata, A.T. (2019). Why families go outside: An exploration of mothers’ and daughters’ family-based nature activities. Leisure Sciences.
Twenty-six mothers and daughters (age 10-12) participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on their experiences with family-based nature activities (FBNA), defined as two or more family members engaging in outdoor recreation. The mother and daughter interviews were conducted simultaneously but in separate rooms. Almost all of the mothers and daughters reported experiencing a variety of health benefits associated with FBNA. While individual benefits were noted, family benefits were emphasized even more. Health benefits included increased physical activity and physical fitness, decreased stress, and positive impact on mood. Family benefits included improved communication and getting along better with each other. This research calls attention to ways in which FBNA can contribute to both individual health outcomes and positive family relationships within the unique context of the natural environment.
Peters, E., Maas, J., Schuengel, C. & Havinga, D. (2020). Making women’s shelters more conducive to family life: Professionals’ exploration of the benefits of nature. Children’s Geographies, 1-13 .
This study was conducted with three women’s shelters in the Netherlands that provide temporary homes for families who experienced assault or abuse. Four researchers and 46 care professionals participated in this study over a six-month period by serving as members of a Community of Practice (CoP) exploring the benefits of nature for families in shelters. A thematic analysis of transcripts of CoP meetings and case descriptions showed five major ways in which nature benefitted families: (1) offering a place for family leisure time, (2) supporting social connectedness, (3) supporting psychological well-being, (4) offering metaphoric experiences, and (5) supporting parenting. An explanation of how nature supported parenting included the idea that nature promoted relatedness between parent and child, parental feelings of competence, and autonomy in parenting.
Rantala, O. & Puhakka, R. (2019). Engaging with nature: Nature affords well-being for families and young people in Finland. Children’s Geographies, 18(4), 490-503.
Researchers in Finland used two sets of data to analyze how children, young people and families interact with nature during outdoor activities and how this affects their well-being. One data set is based on thematic writings of 15- to 21-year-olds who were asked to answer questions about their outdoor activities and to share information about their most precious memory of nature. The other data set is based on one of the researcher’s autoethnographic field notes, observations, and a focus group discussion relating to family outdoor activities. Almost 50% of the participants indicated that their favorite place was located in nature, with forest and lakeside areas being the most preferred natural environments. The benefits of engagement with nature for the young people included being able to calm down and getting away from the pressures of everyday life. Engagement with nature also afforded close interaction for families.
Razani, N., Morshed, S., Kohn, M.A., Wells, N.W., Thompson, D., Alqassari, M., Agodi, A. & Rutherford, G.W. (2018). Effect of park prescriptions with and without group visits to parks on stress reduction in low-income parents: SHINE randomized trial. PLOS ONE.
Seventy-eight parents from a low-income patient population at a pediatric clinic in Oakland, California participated in a study to determine if park prescriptions will decrease stress. The participants were randomly assigned to two different study groups: a supported group (with park prescriptions for family group outings) and an independent group (park prescriptions without group outings). Pre/Post assessment results showed a significant decrease in stress for both groups with no significant difference between the two groups. Results also showed increased visits to parks for both groups, but more so for the independent group than the supported group. Each unit increase in park visits per week was associated with a significant and incremental decrease in stress. Other positive outcomes for participants included increases in physical activity and nature affinity and decreases in loneliness and physiologic stress. The information provided about the two different study groups may be helpful to clinicians interested in making park prescription services a part of their programs.
Ward, T., Goldingay, S. & Parson, J. (2019). Evaluating a supported nature play programme, parents’ perspectives. Early Child Development and Care, 189(2), 270-283.
Six mothers attending nature play sessions with their children (birth to five years of age) participated in interviews about the impact of the program. Three major outcome categories were identified: enhanced interpersonal relationships, connections to nature, and emotional wellness. The enhanced personal relationships were reflected in improved family relationships both within and outside of the program, in parent and child relationships with the program facilitators, between children in the program, and amongst families participating in the program. Enhanced connections with nature were reflected in the participants’ increased awareness of the value of spending time in nature with their children. This awareness influenced nature play beyond the program. The impact of the program on emotional wellness was reflected in the sense of calm and mindfulness experienced by the participants.
Community health – a subsection of public health — focuses on the physical and mental well-being of people living in a specific geographic region. Healthcare, economics, and social interaction all play a role in determining the quality of community health within a region. These factors are sometimes referred to as “social determinants of health”, defined by the CDC as “conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age… [that are] shaped by the distribution of money, power, and resources at global, national, and local levels.” Access to nature is recognized in the academic literature as a social determinant of health and can thus be leveraged as a community health tool.
Snell, T. L., Simmonds, J. G., & Klein, L. M. (2020). Exploring the impact of contact with nature in childhood on adult personality. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 55, 1-9.
This study explored the relationship between childhood contact with nature and adult personality. Data consisted of survey responses from 783 adults from 42 countries. The survey asked participants about their frequency of contact with specific natural environments in childhood and adulthood. The survey included measures of adult personality and socio-demographic details. An analysis of the data showed that the frequency of contact with nature in childhood predict adult personality, including Neuroticism (Anxiety, Depression) and Openness (Creative Imagination, Intellectual Curiosity). The frequency of contact with forest environments, in particular, predicted lower Anxiety and Emotional Volatility, as well as higher Intellectual Curiosity and Creative Imagination. Results also indicated that contact with nature in childhood may represent a learned emotional regulation strategy resulting in lower Neuroticism when continued in adulthood. The relationship between contact with nature in childhood and Intellectual Curiosity and Creative Imagination was direct, suggesting that these relationships were not a result of the repeated use of nature in adulthood.
The study adds to our understanding of the potential long-term impact of childhood nature experiences.
South, E. C., Kondo, M. C. & Razani, N. (2020). Nature as a community health tool: The case for healthcare providers and systems. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 59(4 ), 606-610.
Recent advances in community health recognize the importance of social determinants of health (SDH) for both individual and community well-being. While nature is one of the commonly accepted SDH, it is generally missing from the rapidly growing pool of healthcare-generated SDH interventions. This paper addresses this concern and calls for healthcare providers and health systems to seriously consider how to capitalize on the health benefits of nature. A rich body of research – along with long-held understandings about nature’s benefits for humans — support this call. “Currently, the evidence linking nature and health is strong enough to recommend that primary care offices incorporate nature contact counseling into existing SDH efforts.” Also recommended are greater investments by health systems in directly changing neighborhood conditions. Examples of related SDH interventions include renovating blighted homes and greening vacant lots.
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