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Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Dahlia Stott

    (Nutrition Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • DeAndra Forde

    (Nutrition Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Chetan Sharma

    (Department of Kinesiology, Health, Food & Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI 54751, USA)

  • Jonathan M. Deutsch

    (Department of Food and Hospitality Management, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Michael Bruneau

    (Health Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Jennifer A. Nasser

    (Nutrition Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Mara Z. Vitolins

    (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA)

  • Brandy-Joe Milliron

    (Nutrition Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

Interacting with nature may promote mental and physical health. There are multiple ways to interact with nature: indirectly, incidentally, and intentionally. How these types of interactions with nature may be associated with mental and physical health status and health behaviors is unclear. The purpose of this narrative review is to (1) describe the relationship between interactions with nature (indirect, incidental, and intentional) and mental and physical health outcomes and behaviors, (2) identify gaps in the literature, and (3) provide recommendations for future research. Considerable evidence suggests that interacting with nature, indirectly and intentionally, is associated with improvements in mental health and physical exhibitions of mental status. Furthermore, intentionally interacting with nature is associated with engagement in physical activity and gardening is associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. Research suggests that incidentally interacting with nature may be associated with positive mental health status. More research is needed to understand the relationships between incidental interactions with nature and physical health status and behaviors; as well as among all types of interactions with nature and physical health disorders, sleep, and dietary behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:3:p:329-:d:1355321
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    References listed on IDEAS

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