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

Authors

  • Colin A. Capaldi Carleton University Department of Psychology 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
  • Holli-Anne Passmore University of British Columbia Department of Psychology 1147 Research Road Kelowna, BC, Canada, V1V 1V7
  • Elizabeth K. Nisbet Trent University Department of Psychology 1600 W Bank Drive Peterborough, ON, Canada, K9J 7B8
  • John M. Zelenski Carleton University Department of Psychology 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
  • Raelyne L. Dopko Carleton University Department of Psychology 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.449

Keywords:

nature, nature connectedness, flourishing, subjective wellbeing, eudaimonic wellbeing, human-nature relationship

Abstract

From the increasing number of people living in urban areas to the continued degradation of the natural environment, many of us appear to be physically and psychologically disconnected from nature. We consider the theoretical explanations and present evidence for why this state of affairs might result in suboptimal levels of hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing by reviewing the large body of research on the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. The advantages of contact with nature as a potential wellbeing intervention are discussed, and examples of how this research is being applied to reconnect individuals to nature and improve wellbeing are given. We conclude by considering the limitations of, and proposing future directions for, research in this area. Overall, evidence suggests that connecting with nature is one path to flourishing in life.

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Published

2015-12-17

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2015)

Section

Articles

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