Barnes Donahue Keeler 2019

We conducted an integrative review of the literature to assess common elements, locations and features used in nature-exposure research.

In this, the researchers reviewed many studies to find common types of natural environments and experiences which are connected to positive mental health.

In response, there is a growing interest and urgency in understanding how the urban environment impacts human health and well-being (Hartig et al., 2014; Shanahan et al., 2015; Frumkin et al., 2017). Evidence from environmental psychology using a variety of methodologies (including self-report, psychophysiological assessments, and others), have demonstrated that contact with nature enhances positive affect, self-esteem, and cognitive functioning

Research and studies from environmental psychology shows that people are becoming more interested in understanding how city environments affect mental health and wellbeing. Studies have discovered that spending more time in nature can improve our mood, self-esteem as well our ability to think better.

Participants were frequently walking during the exposure (53.7%), with few sitting (9.8%), or doing more vigorous activities such as hiking or biking (12.2%). Notably, response variables that measured affect/mood were the most common.

Most people that were in the studies seemed to have improved their mental health while they were walking in nature. Researchers mainly looked at changes in their mood and emotions so they could study the mental health benefits of nature exposure.

Building density proximate to green space may reduce the positive outcomes achieved in green spaces designed for positive mental health benefits due to increased nuisances.

Green spaces may not be very helpful for mental health if they are surrounded by very crowded buildings. This happens because of higher building density can create more sounds, less privacy and other disruptions that make the green space less calming.

The future research that should follow up should be researching specific elements of nature, such as trials, near bodies of water, or different types of green spaces that have the greatest positive effects on mental health. Researchers could also take a closer look at certain factors such as season, time of exposure to nature, and social interactions that influence mental health well-being.

Something that I found challenging was understanding how the researchers analysed and compared different variables this includes urban density land cover types, participant experiences and exposure duration across multiple studies. The results section parts was difficult to understand especially since it involved looking at statistics and research variables that were difficult to interpret.