The Research Desk
Interacting with nature can restore attention and reduce stress, supporting human wellbeing.
Mechanisms underpinning flourishing at the interface of humans and other natural entities: an umbrella review.
- Meaning
- Relationships
Maloney, S., Henning, T., Zhu, H., Martin, B., Hinze, V., Montero-Marin, J., van der Velden, A., Moore, J., Wilhelm, K., Lomax, T., Reinecke, M., Awad, E., Boyle, J., Fleming, W., Taylor, L., Broome, M., Thorogood, C., Scerif, G., Malhi, Y., Singh, I., Kuyken, W.
In plain language
This study explores how humans and nature can flourish together, a concept known as ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing). The researchers conducted an umbrella review, which is a review of existing systematic reviews, to identify mechanisms that support this intertwined flourishing. They found that psychological benefits, such as attention restoration and stress reduction, were the most consistently supported mechanisms. However, evidence for other pathways, like social cohesion and physical activity, was mixed. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research to better understand how humans and nature can mutually benefit each other.
Key findings
- Psychological mechanisms like attention restoration and stress reduction have strong support.
- Social mechanisms such as cohesion and contact show mixed evidence.
- Physical activity and environmental quality contribute to e-co-flourishing but need more research.
- Current evidence is mostly from cross-sectional and qualitative studies.
- No studies reviewed examined reciprocal mechanisms benefiting both humans and nature.
Why it matters for flourishing
This research is crucial for understanding how humans can thrive alongside nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human wellbeing and environmental health.
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Individuals can enhance their wellbeing by engaging with nature, which may help restore attention and reduce stress. Communities might focus on building social cohesion through shared nature experiences to foster collective flourishing.