Psychological and physical connections with nature improve both human well-being and nature conservation: A systematic review of meta-analyses

Abstract

Despite growing evidence that “connectedness” of humans with nature creates multiple benefits for both humans and nature, these benefits are not fully considered by health and conservation policymakers. Studies are scattered across scientific disciplines including health, education, psychology and biology, making it difficult to get a complete overview. Here, we conduct a systematic review, focused on recent meta-analyses that investigate impacts of psychological and/or physical connection with nature on human health and well-being and on attitudes and actions that promote nature conservation. By “psychological connection” we mean the extent to which people see themselves as part of nature and by “physical connection” we mean contact with natural areas. We identified 16 relevant meta-analyses covering 832 independent studies. We found consistent conclusions across geographically diverse experimental studies that physical connection with nature improved human cognition, social skills, physical and mental health, and psychological connection to nature. Experiments also showed that psychological connection with nature had significant positive impact on pro-environmental behaviors and values. Correlational studies supported experimental results and, in addition, found psychological connection with nature positively correlated with mental and physical health. Studies are biased toward adults rather than children and away from southern regions (Africa, Oceania and South America). Overall, our review suggests a critical role for psychological and physical human-nature connections in developing a sustainable future. Although experimental studies are rare, conducting cross-cultural experimental research is needed if governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, researchers and citizens are to develop appropriate actions toward achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.