A Look at the Ecotherapy Research Evidence

Abstract

Ecotherapy is an umbrella term for a gathering of techniques and practices that lead to circles of mutual healing between the human mind and the natural world from which it evolved. It includes horticultural therapy, wilderness excursion work, time stress management, and certain kinds of animal-assisted therapy. This article provides an overview of research into ecotherapy's treatment efficacy and argues for a psychology of place designed to reconnect people psychologically with the world a place at a time.

Biodiversity and Mental Health

“…It has been observed that the contact with such natural world, by means of gardening practices, animal petting, green walk or green exercise, not only relief people from depressive symptoms, but increases human capacity to be healthier, strengthen self-esteem, promotes socializing and makes people happier [53]. Although the positive association between natural contact and mental health has been consistently reported, still remains a challenge determining "how close" this "green contact" should be most appropriate [29].…”

Psychologies of the Environment: Searching for Themes in the Literature

“…These cases examined the structure, impact, and outcomes of environmental education programs designed to increase knowledge of nature, environmental issues, and conservation behaviors (e.g., Bitgood, 2002;Farmer, 2003;Howells, 1978;Lambert et al, 1978;Rader, 2010). Recent studies looked into wilderness-based therapeutics and ecotherapy, emerging psychotherapeutic methods focused on mental health interventions that incorporate the natural and animal worlds and/or take place in natural or wilderness settings (e.g., Burls, 2008;Chalquist, 2009;Harper & Scott, 2006;Higley & Milton, 2008). Several studies explored the impacts on health and well-being of wilderness exposure programs that might best be conceptualized as an amalgam of environmental education and nature-based psychotherapeutic interventions (e.g., Kaplan & Talbot, 1983;Sachs & Miller, 1992).…”

Exploring the Relationship between Suburban Allotment Gardening and Well-Being: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

“…However, with the majority of the world's population now living in urban areas (World Health Organisation, 2016) and those in industrialised nations typically spending over 90% of their time indoors (Chalquist, 2009) there is concern that people are becoming disconnected from nature. One means of having contact with nature in urban environments is through gardening.…”