Abstract

Nature connectedness is increasingly recognised as a causal issue in environmental crises and a powerful strategy for transformative change. However, little is known about how it varies across countries and the macro-level factors that influence the human–nature relationship at a societal level. Using a large dataset (N = 56 968) from a diverse set of 61 countries, this study explored how both objective country-level indicators of the socio-ecological context and subjective country-level indicators of socio-political values were related to nature connectedness. Using linear, factor, and network analysis, several objective (urbanicity and business environment) and subjective country indicators (scientific and religious values) were significantly associated with nature connectedness. These and other factors are combined into a proposed conceptual model of key macro-factors in the human–nature relationship that can inform future research and policy initiatives.

Zusammenfassung

Naturräumen und insbesondere urbanen Grünräumen (Stadtgrün) und Gewässern (Stadtblau) wird seit Langem ein großes gesundheitsschützendes und -förderndes Potenzial beigemessen. Sie können in vielfältiger Weise positiv auf die psychische, physische und soziale Gesundheit sowie das Wohlbefinden von Menschen einwirken – direkt oder indirekt: direkt durch die Minderung und Moderation möglicher Risiken aus der Lebensumwelt (z. B. Lärm, Feinstaub, Hitze), durch die psychisch-physiologischen Wirkungen des Naturerlebnisses und die physischen Auswirkungen der Exposition gegenüber Naturstoffen und -elementen; indirekt wirken Naturräume beispielsweise über die Anregung gesundheitsförderlicher Verhaltensweisen (z. B. Anreiz für mehr Bewegung), über die Nutzung als Outdoortreffpunkt sowie die Minderung von Aggressionen und daraus resultierender Effekte für das soziale Wohlbefinden. 

Abstract

There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.

Zusammenfassung

In Regionen mit einer höheren Vielfalt an Pflanzen- und Vogelarten geht es den Menschen, die dort leben, besser. So lassen sich die Ergebnisse einer Studie unter Leitung des Deutschen Zentrums für integrative Biodiversitätsforschung (iDiv), des Senckenberg Biodiversität und Klima Forschungszentrums (SBiK-F) und der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel zusammenfassen, die im Fachmagazin Landscape and Urban Planning veröffentlicht wurde. Den Forschenden zufolge profitiert insbesondere die mentale Gesundheit von einem größeren Artenreichtum, ein direkter Einfluss auf die physische Gesundheit lässt sich hingegen nicht nachweisen.

Abstract

Background:

World Health Organization has communicated that dementia as a public health priority in 2012. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are the main reason results in hospitalization of dementia patients. Horticulture is one of the favorite activity for many peoples to relax their minds.

Objectives:

To investigate psychological health benefits of horticulture intervention in dementia patients.

Conclusions:

Patients with dementia benefit from horticultural by alleviating their degrees of agitate behaviours, increasing time of engaging in activities and decrease time of doing nothing.

Keywords: BPSD, long-term care, psychological health, agitation, Cohen-Mansfield, agitation inventory, horticulture

Zusammenfassung

Nach einem 60-minütigen Spaziergang in der Natur nimmt die Aktivität in Gehirnregionen ab, die an der Stressverarbeitung beteiligt sind. Dies ist das Ergebnis einer kürzlich von der Lise-Meitner-Gruppe Umweltneurowissenschaften am Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung durchgeführten Studie.

Abstract

Records on recovery after cholecystectomy of patients in a suburban Pennsylvania hospital between 1972 and 1981 were examined to determine whether assignment to a room with a window view of a natural setting might have restorative influences. Twenty-three surgical patients assigned to rooms with windows looking out on a natural scene had shorter postoperative hospital stays, received fewer negative evaluative comments in nurses' notes, and took fewer potent analgesics than 23 matched patients in similar rooms with windows facing a brick building wall.

Extract from Abstract

Experiences of contact with nature in school education might be beneficial for promoting ecological lifestyles and the wellbeing of children, families, and teachers. Many theories and empirical evidence on restorative environments, as well as on the foundations of classical pedagogical approaches, recognize the value of the direct experience with natural elements, and the related psychological and educational outcomes (e.g., positive emotions, autonomy, self-efficacy, empathy). In this work we present two studies focusing on the contact with nature in outdoor education interventions with primary and secondary school students in Italy. 

Extract from Abstract

The garden is a major educational resource that can be used for all areas of knowledge from an interdisciplinary perspective as it reflects the complexity and interactions of the natural environment. This research was carried out in the academic years 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 with 418 participants of from the second, third, and fourth year of the Degree in Primary Education at the University of Valencia. The use of the garden and the landscape is analyzed as a non-formal context for training primary school teachers through sensory experiences that contribute to the development of scientific and artistic competencies.

Extract from Abstract

Environmental Education (EE) is vital for shaping citizens who understand and value sustainability as an epistemological and practical alternative to mitigate current environmental issues. This research was prompted by the exploration of the relationship between EE and the physical sciences, connections that are often overlooked in curriculums and in the teaching processes of both this science and EE. It is essential to emphasize that physics provides conceptual frameworks and methodological tools that can enhance the understanding of environmental phenomena from a broad and multidimensional perspective. To delve into these connections, a study with a hermeneutic interpretative nuance was conducted. Through a questionnaire, the perceptions of prospective teachers in the natural sciences field regarding this topic were gathered. The findings revealed that a significant number of them recognize and value the correlation between physics and EE. From their perspective, this linkage is not only crucial for a comprehensive view of environmental dynamics but also to encourage students to develop critical, articulated, and well-founded thinking about environmental balance. The research also highlighted the didactic opportunities presented when intertwining physics with EE. By associating physical concepts with real environmental issues, learning can be reinforced, making it meaningful and enduring over time. This interdisciplinary fusion also holds the potential to increase students' motivation and interest, fostering a more active and engaged attitude in their educational journey.

Extract from Abstract

The objective of this paper is to prove that interdisciplinary educational approaches foster knowledge and competences for sustainable development in primary education. The intervention methodology employed is an educational and pedagogical approach to teaching science through physical activities and is based on developing dynamic reflective and cooperative learning environments to strengthen teaching–learning relationships. The educational approach included analyzing students’ reflections from their focus groups, in which five categories of cooperative learning: positive interdependence, individual accountability, promotive interaction, the appropriate use of social skills, and group processing, were considered. The results show that, to a significant statistical degree, when the interdisciplinary approaches were adopted the primary school students reached higher levels of understanding, reflective and critical thinking development, and that cooperative learning provided them with a greater perception of sustainable development competences through systems and critical thinking, analysis, interpersonal relationships and collaboration, and strategic action.