Keywords

mental health, nature-based recreation, well-being, systematic review

Abstract

The demand for mental health services around the world has risen dramatically. Many researchers and practitioners are looking for alternative mental health treatments, including nature-based recreation. However, reviews examining nature-based recreation’s therapeutic effectiveness are limited. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of available research regarding the potential mental-health benefits of nature-based recreation. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, a global standard established to ensure consistency and quality in literature reviews, a systematic search generated 51 articles for review. Most articles (n = 46, 90%) observed at least one positive association between nature-based recreation and mental health, including improvements in affect, cognition, restoration, and wellbeing, and decreases in anxiety and depression symptoms. Trends regarding the setting, population, methodology, and theoretical orientation of existing research, as well as recommendations for future research, are discussed in this review.

Original Publication Citation

"Mental health benefits of nature-based recreation: a systematic review", Annals of Leisure Research, Edition 3, Volume 24, Pages 379-393, 2019

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2021

Publisher

Annals of Leisure Research

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Experience Design and Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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