Nature Connectedness and Mental Health across the Lifespan

Project Description

What: This PhD will explore the role of nature connectedness as a therapeutic option to prevent mental health problems, aid recovery from mental health conditions, and as a tool in the self-management of mental health conditions. This will involve different population groups to understand how nature can be beneficial and a useful therapy across the lifespan. Nature connectedness can be experienced by spending time in nature, learning about nature, or supporting nature, and accessing green or blue (marine) spaces. Evidence suggests that opportunities to interact with nature are decreasing in quantity and quality and the benefits for mental health are not being accessed (Bratman et al 2019).

Why: Interacting with nature and access to green spaces is positively associated with mental health outcomes in children and teenagers (Tillman et al, 2018), people living in urban areas (Cox et al, 2017), older women (Astell-Burt, Mitchell & Hartig, 2014) and there are positive links with sleep, stress, anxiety, cognition, and affect in people at risk of and experiencing mental health conditions. Nature connectedness can be an effective approach when used with clinical populations, e.g. nature walks enhanced affect and cognition in people with major depressive disorder (Berman et al 2012), and activities in green outdoor settings were associated with reduced ADHD symptoms in children (Kuo & Taylor, 2004). Nature and the natural world is an accessible and cost-effective resource for therapeutic approaches led by professionals or by individuals as an option to self-manage chronic and ongoing mental health conditions and prevent reoccurrence of mental health problems. Exploring how nature connectedness builds resilience, coping, and behavioural strategies can develop, improve, and implement viable and sustainable nature-based mental health interventions, building on the government’s Green Social Prescribing Programme (2021-2023).

How: The PhD may use different approaches depending on available opportunities. It is likely to include a scoping review of existing literature, mapping and evaluation of existing provision, and pilot interventions involving different types of nature connectedness activities. These could include forest bathing, guided walks, or art activities. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected and synthesised to develop a holistic understanding of the relationship between nature connectedness and mental health. Potential participating populations could include individuals at life transitions associated with risk of mental health problems, such as older people, new parents and their children, students and young adults, people accessing mental health services, people living with chronic physical health conditions. Outputs may include tools and guidance for services/communities running interventions, and policy briefings.