The psychological value of nature: Understanding the benefits of nature interaction in different populations

Literature Review

Background: Nature-based interventions (NBIs) promote nature interaction and demonstrate potential to address inequalities experienced by socio-economically deprived communities. This narrative review aims to identify and evaluate the benefits of NBIs in socio-economically deprived communities.

Method: A systematic literature search was conducted on 5th February 2021 and repeated on 30th August 2022. In total, 3852 records were identified, and 18 experimental studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review.

Results: Interventions included therapeutic horticulture, care farming, green exercise and wilderness arts and craft. Key benefits were observed for cost savings, diet diversity, food security, anthropometric outcomes, mental health outcomes, nature visits, physical activity, and physical health.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate clear benefits of NBIs on economic, environmental, health and social outcomes. Further research including qualitative analyses, more stringent experimental designs and use of standardised outcome measures is recommended.

Empirical Study

Background: Interaction with trees and the urban forest can play a valuable role in promoting wellbeing benefits. The current study evaluated the mental wellbeing and nature connection benefits of MyTree, a campus-based nature intervention for undergraduate students.

Method: A quasi-experimental, sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used. Quantitative survey data was evaluated to draw comparisons between undergraduate students who received the intervention (n=32) and a control group who did not (n=13). Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews (n=14) was conducted to explore participants’ experiences of MyTree.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in depression outcomes post-intervention compared to the control group. The thematic analysis identified four major themes: Reciprocal relationships; A chance to take five; Out of the norm; and Beyond the beauty.

Conclusions: This study identified potential mood-related benefits associated with MyTree and co-benefits associated with nature relationships, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning. Further research with larger, more representative samples is recommended.