Nature and human well-being: a systematic review of empirical evidence from nature-based interventions

Abstract

There is a growing body of knowledge that underlines the role of nature on human well-being, with an increase in the number of studies that report data on this topic in recent years. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art regarding the impacts of nature-based interventions (NBIs) in both human well-being and nature-related outcomes (e.g. connection with nature). It also provides detailed information about methodological approaches, including the activities performed, measures used and parameters assessed. Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, presenting quantitative and qualitative data reporting positive outcomes regarding psychological (e.g. mental health, mood states, perceived levels of stress), physiological (e.g. physiological stress, neurocognitive function) and nature-related outcomes (e.g. connection with nature, attitudes towards the natural environment). Despite the need to overcome some fragilities and knowledge gaps, overall, the studies strongly suggest that natural environments have significant positive impacts on human well-being.