Health and well-being naturally: 'contact with nature' in health promotion for targeted individuals, communities and populations.

Full Abstract

ISSUE

ADDRESSED:
The increase in mental health disorders worldwide makes it important to recognise health promotion interventions that are effective, accessible and affordable. Although natural spaces are coming to be recognised as health-promoting settings for general populations, little is understood about the use of nature-contact in treatment and care for individuals experiencing ill-health.

METHODS:
This paper provides a summary of key research findings and presents a case study examining the self-reported health and well-being benefits of nature contact for a small clinical sample. The 'Spectrum of Interventions for Mental Health Problems and Mental Disorders' provides a conceptual framework for ordering current and future information relating to nature-based interventions.

RESULTS:
Evidence demonstrates that separately, physical activity, social connection, and contact with nature enhance human health and well-being. The case example illustrates how 'active', 'social' and 'adventurous' contact with nature may be combined within a treatment intervention to protect and enhance the health of individuals experiencing chronic mental, emotional and physical health difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS:
'Contact with nature' constitutes a health promotion strategy with potential application in prevention, early intervention, treatment and care. Recommendations include further research to investigate the benefits of nature contact within existing interventions, and the impacts of 'active' and 'social' nature contact within tailored interventions for targeted individuals and communities.

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Author information

Author/s: Pryor, Anita (A); Townsend, Mardie (M); Maller, Cecily (C); Field, Karen (K);

Affiliation: School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Victoria. anita.pryor(-atsign-)deakin.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals (Health Promot J Austr), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Aug; vol 17 (issue 2) : pp 114-23

Dates: Created 2006/08/22; Completed 2006/12/18;

PMID: 16916314, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Exercise
Female
Health Promotion - methods
Health Status
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders - rehabilitation
Mental Health

Mental Health
Nature
Program Development
Research
Sample Size
Sampling Studies
Social Adjustment
Social Support
Substance-Related Disorders - rehabilitation
Time Factors

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