Ecopsychology and the Human-Nature Relationship

It is often said that spending time in nature will help you feel better. Why so? 

Even the popular internet slang “touch grass” reflects the significance of going outside and connecting with nature, an act essential for mental and emotional rejuvenation and reset.  By exploring the impact of nature on human well-being, the field of ecopsychology gives insight into how interaction with the great outdoors can make you feel happier, healthier, and less stressed. 

Biophilia and Evolutionary Psychology

Biophilia is a theory proposed by biologist E. O. Wilson that suggests an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world. It proposes that many psychological characteristics we hold now are because of how we evolved from the past, in response to social and ecological circumstances within humanity’s ancestral environments. People respond positively to natural stimuli because our evolutionary history has ingrained a deep connection to nature in our genetics, therefore being in natural surroundings can trigger positive emotions, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function due to this inherent connection.

Additionally, throughout human evolution, our ancestors thrived in natural environments where survival hinged on mastering skills like hunting, gathering, and navigating diverse terrains. Over time, our sensory systems evolved to adeptly interpret fundamental natural stimuli such as sunlight, greenery, gardening and natural sounds. These sensory inputs became familiar and comforting to us, and over time, became associated with positive emotions and emotional stability.

Several case studies indicate this relationship as well. For example:

• Mathew White: Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing, 2019

  • Involving around 20,000 individuals, White discovered that individuals who dedicated two hours per week to being in green spaces, such as local parks or other natural settings, either in a single visit or spread out over multiple outings, were significantly more likely to report good physical health and mental well-being compared to those who did not. The study emphasized the importance of this two-hour threshold, showing that individuals who did not meet it did not experience the same benefits. These positive effects were consistent across various demographics, including different occupational groups, ethnicities, individuals from both affluent and disadvantaged areas, as well as those with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

• Huibrie Pieters: Gardening on a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery, 2019

  • Researchers observed psychiatric unit patients who interacted with environmental stimuli in gardening. They used qualitative recounts from the patients, which often featured vivid descriptions of working in the garden alongside fellow patients and staff. For many participants, there was a cognitive, emotional, distraction, or productivity outcome as well as benefits to being with other people and exposure to nature. Overall, it provided patients with reduced feelings of isolation, promoted calmness, and lifted spirits.

Climate Change and Psychological Well-being

Climate change and environmental degradation are not only pressing global issues but also significant sources of psychological distress for many individuals. The ongoing changes in our climate, loss of biodiversity, and environmental destruction contribute to a growing sense of eco-anxiety and despair. Individuals are grappling with feelings of helplessness, grief for the loss of natural habitats, and fear for the future of the planet and future generations. This psychological burden, known as eco-anxiety, can lead to stress, depression, and a sense of existential dread as people confront the harsh realities of environmental crisis.

Through practices such as nature immersion, eco-therapy, and mindfulness in natural settings, ecopsychology encourages individuals to reconnect with the earth, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness with the environment. By nurturing a profound appreciation for nature and recognizing the reciprocal relationship between human well-being and the health of the planet, ecopsychology equips individuals with tools to cope with eco-anxiety, build emotional resilience, and take meaningful action to protect the environment. Ultimately, by integrating ecopsychological principles into everyday life, individuals can cultivate a sense of empowerment, hope, and purpose in the face of environmental challenges, contributing to both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

If you are interested in learning more, watch THIS video!

Works Cited

Delagran, L. (2016). How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing? [online] Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. Available at: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.

Pieters, H.C., Ayala, L., Schneider, A., Wicks, N., Levine-Dickman, A. and Clinton, S. (2019). Gardening on a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 33(1), pp.57–64. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2018.10.001.

Robbins, J. (2020). Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health. [online] Yale Environment 360. Available at: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health.

Schaafsma, M. (2019). Natural Environment and Human Well-Being. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, [online] pp.1–11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71065-5_104-1.

Seymour, V. (2016). The Human–Nature Relationship and Its Impact on Health: A Critical Review. Frontiers in Public Health, [online] 4(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2016.00260.

TedX (2022). Biophilic Design: Supporting People and Planet | Oliver Heath | TEDxUCL. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbb5uzj1b3I.

White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B.W., Hartig, T., Warber, S.L., Bone, A., Depledge, M.H. and Fleming, L.E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, [online] 9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3.