The role of nature in emotion regulation processes: An evidence-based rapid review

Abstract

AimsNatural environments have been widely recognized to have many beneficial effects on emotions and emotion regulation processes. However, this mechanism is still largely overlooked in current research and practice, with only a few studies that specifically investigated these processes applying terminology and approaches grounded in the emotion regulation theories. This review explores the literature regarding how nature-related aspects impact on emotion regulation, considering studies based on relevant emotion regulation concepts and language.The aim is to bridge the nature-health literature with the emotion regulation field, enhancing theoretical development and understanding of the benefits of nature exposure by identifying common terminology and measurement approaches. MethodsTo inform future research with existing evidence, a rapid review of the literature on this topic was conducted in November 2022. In January 2024, an additional literature search was conducted to incorporate recent articles and update the review. Five databases (PsycInfo, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubPsych) were searched for relevant studies reporting effects of nature exposure and other nature-related aspects (e.g., nature connectedness) on emotion regulation processes. ResultsFollowing the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-seven relevant articles were selected for the review. The assessment of emotion regulation and nature-related aspects used in the studies were diverse and the research was heterogeneous; therefore, a narrative synthesis of the results was conducted. Overall, nature exposure appears to have a positive impact on emotion regulation processes in general as well as on specific emotion regulation strategies, such as decreasing rumination and worry, and enhancing the use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal). Furthermore, the review indicated that there is an association between nature connectedness and affect regulatory processes, for example emotion regulation and dysregulation have been found to mediate the effects of nature connectedness on perceived stress and happiness. ConclusionsDespite the variety in the methods adopted by the reviewed studies, most findings reported positive impacts of nature on affect regulatory processes in general, and more particularly on specific strategies of emotion regulation. These findings highlight the importance of further research on this topic and the need for enhanced methodological rigor in study designs and measurements tools to assess the association among individuals’ exposure to nature and the strategies they adopt to regulate their emotions. Achieving greater consistency in the terminology adopted across studies is also crucial for building a cohesive body of knowledge and facilitating evidence accumulation across diverse contexts.