Indigenous nature connection: A 3-week intervention increased ecological attachment

Acting with intentional awareness of ecological entities may aid in a return to an Indigenous worldview

Kurth, A. M., Narvaez, D., Kohn, R., Bae, A., (2020). Indigenous nature connection: A 3-week intervention increased ecological attachment. Ecopsychology, 12(2)

Choice matters: Pupils' stress regulation, brain development and brain function in an outdoor education project

Education outside the classroom can have a positive effect on biological stress regulation

Dettweiler, U., Gerchen, M., Mall, C., Simon, P., Kirsch, P., (2022). Choice matters: Pupils' stress regulation, brain development and brain function in an outdoor education project. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(1), 152-173.

How perceived sensory dimensions of urban green spaces are associated with teenagers’ perceived restoration, stress, and mental health?

The perceived sensory dimensions of nature, refuge, and prospect in urban environments are positively linked to teen mental health

Akpinar, A., (2021). How perceived sensory dimensions of urban green spaces are associated with teenagers’ perceived restoration, stress, and mental health?. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214

Nature's role in outdoor therapies: An umbrella review

Nature’s role in outdoor therapeutic interventions remains unclear

Harper, N. J., Fernee, C. R., Gabrielsen, L. E., (2021). Nature's role in outdoor therapies: An umbrella review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18

Associations between the naturalness of window and interior classroom views, subjective well-being of primary school children and their performance in an attention and concentration test

Views of natural elements can contribute to the subjective well-being of primary students

Lindemann-Matthies, P., Benkowitz, D., Hellinger, F., (2021). Associations between the naturalness of window and interior classroom views, subjective well-being of primary school children and their performance in an attention and concentration test. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214

Measuring green space effects on attention and stress in children and youth: A scoping review

Attention and stress outcomes in children as they relate to responses to green space settings should be carefully reviewed and interpreted

Barger, B., Torquati, J., Larson, L. R., Bartz, J. M., Johnson-Gaither, C., Gardner, A., Moody, E., Rosenberg, S., Schutte, A., Murray, M., Schram, B. M., (2021). Measuring green space effects on attention and stress in children and youth: A scoping review. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(1), 1-54.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of children and young people

The negative impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and youth requires an urgent response from government agencies

Cowie, H., Myers, C., (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of children and young people. Children and Society

Urban trees and human health: A scoping review

Urban forests contribute to human health by reducing harm, restoring capacities, and building capacities

Wolf, K.L., Lam, S.T., McKeen, J.K., Richardson, G.R.A., van den Bosch, M., Bardekjian, A.C., (2020). Urban trees and human health: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12)

The impact of exercise environments on adolescents’ cognitive and psychological outcomes: A randomised controlled trial

The degree of nature in an exercise environment may or may not make a difference in the cognitive and psychological outcomes associated with green exercise

Wade, L., Lubansa, D.R., Smith, J.J., Duncan, M.J., (2020). The impact of exercise environments on adolescents’ cognitive and psychological outcomes: A randomised controlled trial. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 49

“Lie in the grass, the soft grass”: Relaxation accounts of young children attending childcare

Young children choose nature to relax

Cooke, E., Thorpe, K., Clarke, A., Houen, S., Oakes, C., Staton, S., (2020). “Lie in the grass, the soft grass”: Relaxation accounts of young children attending childcare. Children and Youth Services Review, 109

Nature activities and wellbeing in children and young people: A systematic literature review

Empirical research over the last 40 years identifies positive associations between nature activities and wellbeing in children and youth

Roberts, A., Hinds, J., Camic, P.M., (2020). Nature activities and wellbeing in children and young people: A systematic literature review. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 20(4), 298-318.

Physiological benefits of viewing nature: A systematic review of indoor experiments

Physiological responses to viewing nature support the usefulness of nature therapy for preventive medicine

Jo, H., Song, C., Miyazaki, Y., (2019). Physiological benefits of viewing nature: A systematic review of indoor experiments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16

Equine assisted activities and therapies in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and a meta-analysis

Equine assisted activities and therapies may be a useful form of treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder

Trzmiel, T., Purandare, B., Michalak, M., Zasadzka, E., Pawlaczyk, M., (2019). Equine assisted activities and therapies in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, 104-113.

Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective

An ecosystem service perspective may help decision makers anticipate the mental health impacts of decisions they make relating to the environment

Bratman, G.N., Anderson, C.B., Berman, M.C., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., Folke, C., Frumkin, H., Gross, J.J., Hartig, T., Kahn, P.H., Kuo, M., Lawler, J.J., Levin, P.S., Lindahl, T., (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances, 5

Two-year changes in neighborhood juvenile arrests after implementation of an afterschool park-based mental health promotion program in Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2015-2017

Mental health and youth development program in parks may have the potential to prevent violence among at-risk youths

D’Agostino, E.M., Frazier, S.L., Hansen, E., Patel, H.H., Ahmed, Z., Okeke, D., Nardi, M.I., Messiah, S.E., (2019). Two-year changes in neighborhood juvenile arrests after implementation of an afterschool park-based mental health promotion program in Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2015-2017. American Journal of Public Health

Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers

Even a short nature experience can reduce stress for urban residents

Hunter, M.R., Gillespie, B.W., Chen, SY-P., (2019). Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10

Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship

Converging evidence from diverse fields offers causal support for nature’s impact on learning, development and environmental stewardship

Kuo, M., Barnes, M., Jordan, C., (2019). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 10

The psychology of recent nature visits: (How) are motives and attentional focus related to post-visit restorative experiences, creativity, and emotional well-being?

Motives and attentional focus are strongly connected to the outcomes of visits to natural environments

Pasanen, T.P., Neuvonen, M., Korpela, K.M., (2018). The psychology of recent nature visits: (How) are motives and attentional focus related to post-visit restorative experiences, creativity, and emotional well-being?. Environment and Behavior, 50(8), 913-944.

Effect of greening vacant land on mental health of community-dwelling adults: A cluster randomized trial

The greening of vacant urban lots significantly reduced feelings of depression and worthlessness

South, E.C., Hohl, B.C., Kondo, M.C., MacDonald, J.M., Branas, C.C., (2018). Effect of greening vacant land on mental health of community-dwelling adults: A cluster randomized trial. JAMA Network Open, 1(3)

Urban greenspace is associated with reduced psychological stress among adolescents: A Geographic Ecological Momentary Assessment (GEMA) analysis of activity space

Urban greenspace is associated with reduced psychological stress for adolescents, but only when the adolescent is away from home

Mennis, J., Mason, M., Ambrus, A., (2018). Urban greenspace is associated with reduced psychological stress among adolescents: A Geographic Ecological Momentary Assessment (GEMA) analysis of activity space. Landscape and Urban Planning, 174, 1-9.

The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and healthy outcomes

Greenspace exposure is associated with wide ranging health benefits across 143 studies

Twohig-Bennett, C., Jones, A., (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and healthy outcomes. Environmental Research, 166, 628-637.

A pilot study: Horticulture-related activities significantly reduce stress and salivary cortisol concentration of maladjusted elementary school children

Horticulture-related activities can reduce the stress levels and salivary cortisol concentration of elementary school children with emotional and behavioral concerns

Lee, M.J., Oh, W., Jang, J.S., Lee, J.Y., (2018). A pilot study: Horticulture-related activities significantly reduce stress and salivary cortisol concentration of maladjusted elementary school children. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 37, 172-177.

Effect of park prescriptions with and without group visits to parks on stress reduction in low-income parents: SHINE randomized trial

Park prescriptions are a promising tool for addressing stress in low-income parents

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

Landscapes for play: Effects of an intervention to promote nature-based risky play in early childhood centres

Nature-based risky play can promote young children’s development

Brussoni, M., Ishikawa, T., Brunelle, S., Herrington, S., (2017). Landscapes for play: Effects of an intervention to promote nature-based risky play in early childhood centres. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 54, 139-150.

Does access to green space impact the mental well-being of children: A systematic review

Access to nature can promote the mental well-being of children

McCormick, R., (2017). Does access to green space impact the mental well-being of children: A systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 37, 3-7.

Urban natural environments as nature-based solutions for improved public health -- A systematic review of reviews

The concept of "nature-based solutions" suggests that urban natural environments could become a public health tool

van den Bosch, M., Sang, A.O., (2017). Urban natural environments as nature-based solutions for improved public health -- A systematic review of reviews. Environmental Research, 158, 373-384.

Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis

Gardening is beneficial for mental and physical health

Soga, M., Gaston, K.J., Yamaurac, Y., (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92-99.

Exploring pathways linking greenspace to health: Theoretical and methodological guidance

Potential pathways linking greenspace to health are identified; yet more research is needed to guide policy

Markevych, I., Schoierer, J., Hartig, T., Chudnovsky, A., Hystad, P., Dzhambov, A.M., de Vries, S., Triguero-Mas, M., Brauer, M., Nieuwenhuijsen, M.J., Lupp, G., Richardson, E.A., Astell-Burt, T., Dimitrova, D., Feng, X., (2017). Exploring pathways linking greenspace to health: Theoretical and methodological guidance. Environmental Research, 158, 301-317.

Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention

Connecting with nature is one path to flourishing in life

Capaldi, C., Passmore, H., Nisbet, E., Zelenski, J., Dopko, R., (2015). Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4), 1-16.

Green schoolyards as havens from stress and resources for resilience in childhood and adolescence

Natural schoolyards decrease stress, strengthen attention, reduce behavior problems, and enhance factors associated with resilience in children of all ages

Chawla, L., Keena, K., Pevec, I., Stanley, E., (2014). Green schoolyards as havens from stress and resources for resilience in childhood and adolescence. Health & Place, 28, 1-13.

Contact with nature and children’s wellbeing in educational settings

Social interaction, stress and attention may improve in one- to three-year-olds by free play in outdoor green space

Carrus, G., Pirchio, S., Passiatore, Y., Mastandrea, S., Scopelliti, M., Bartoli, G., (2012). Contact with nature and children’s wellbeing in educational settings. Journal of Social Sciences, 8(3), 304 - 309.

‘We don't enjoy nature like that’: Youth identity and lifestyle in the countryside

The case of mountain bikers: Not all youth experiences in nature lead to the same sense of nature connectedness

King, K., Church, A., (2013). ‘We don't enjoy nature like that’: Youth identity and lifestyle in the countryside. Journal of Rural Studies, 31, 67 - 76.

Design and evaluation of a park prescription program for stress reduction and health promotion in low-income families: The Stay Healthy in Nature Everyday (SHINE) study protocol

Study protocol developed for the design and evaluation of a park prescription program

Razani, N., Kohn, M.A., Wells, N.M., Thompson, D., Flores, H.H., Rutherford, G.W., (2016). Design and evaluation of a park prescription program for stress reduction and health promotion in low-income families: The Stay Healthy in Nature Everyday (SHINE) study protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 51, 8-14.

Nature and health

More research is needed on the population-level health benefits of contact with nature

Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., de Vries, S., Frumkin, H., (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207-228.

The benefits of nature experience: Improved affect and cognition

A walk in a natural area produced both affective and cognitive benefits

Bratman, G.N., Daily, G.C., Levy, B.J., Gross, J.J., (2015). The benefits of nature experience: Improved affect and cognition. Landscape and Urban Planning, 138, 41-50.

The beach as a setting for families’ health promotion: A qualitative study with parents and children living in coastal regions in Southwest England

Trips to beaches encourage physical activity in children

Ashbullby, K. J., Pahl, S., Webley, P., White, M. P., (2013). The beach as a setting for families’ health promotion: A qualitative study with parents and children living in coastal regions in Southwest England. Health & Place, 23, 138-147.

Association between residential greenness and birth weight: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Across eight studies, greenness near mothers’ homes is associated, though weakly, with birth outcomes

Dzhambov, A. M., Dimitrova, D. D., Dimitrakova, E. D., (2014). Association between residential greenness and birth weight: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 13(4), 621-629.

Exposure to public natural space as a protective factor for emotional well-being among young people in Canada

Mixed findings for the impact of exposure to public natural spaces on youths' emotional well-being

Huynh, Q., Craig, W., Janssen, I., Pickett, W., (2013). Exposure to public natural space as a protective factor for emotional well-being among young people in Canada. BMC Public Health, 13(407)

The Thurston Family Project: Working with families through outdoor activities and resiliency training

Residential program at outdoor education center helps families with at risk-children

McManus, J., (2012). The Thurston Family Project: Working with families through outdoor activities and resiliency training. The Psychology of Education Review, 36(2), 40 - 45.