Rethinking conceptual frameworks and models of health and natural environments

Abstract

This article considers conceptual frameworks and models applied in research about the multiple relations between human contact with natural environments (specifically green public spaces), diverse kinds of human activities and uses of those spaces, and effects on physical and mental health. Conceptual frameworks are tools for thinking about such complex subjects. Conceptual models represent the multiple relations between key factors and variables. These models can be used to represent the mutual interactions between the core components of environmental conditions of specific green public spaces, the main kinds of human activities in those settings, and various impacts on health. A literature search showed that the authors of various conceptual models used a metaphor of pathways to represent relations between explanatory variables by linear cause-effect relations. Mutual interaction between key variables and feedback loops between different components of the model are rarely included. Hence, it is argued that these models do not represent the complexity of real world situations. The authors propose a systemic conceptual framework founded on core principles of human ecology. The proposed conceptual framework and model have been formulated during and after an EU 7th Framework project about the ''Positive Health Effects of the Natural Outdoor Environment in Typical Populations in Different Regions of Europe."

Cyclists’ Multiple Environmental Urban Exposures—Comparing Subjective and Objective Measurements

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Co-Benefits of Transdisciplinary Planning for Healthy Cities

“…However, earlier sections of this article indicate that this explanation only partly explains the current gap between knowledge about public health and applications in landscape architecture, urban design, and land use planning. Moreover, many contributions rarely refer to theories or conceptual frameworks (Lawrence et al, 2019). These frameworks can be derived from literature reviews, observational studies, or other kinds of empirical research.…”

Kansanterveystieteen ekologinen käänne-Kohti ekososiaalista terveysparadigmaa

“…Ilmastonmuutos ei ole ainoa meneillään oleva ekosysteemien kriisi, vaan samaan aikaan planeettaamme uhkaa esimerkiksi biodiversiteettikato, maan ravinteiden köyhtyminen ja vesistö jen saastuminen. Nämä ekokriisit vaikuttavat suoraan ja epäsuorasti, lyhyellä ja pitkällä tähtäimellä, ja usein monimutkaisten prosessien kautta myös ihmiskunnan terveyteen [2,3].…”

“…Lisäksi, toisin kuin muiden näkökulmien kohdalla, EcoHealth-näkökulmassa pienimpienkin organismien vaikutus ekosysteemien kautta ihmisen terveyteen nähdään merkittävänä. Käsitteestä käytetäänkin myös nimitystä 'ekosysteeminen lähestymistapa terveyteen' (Ecosystem approach to human health) [3]. Myös näkökulman nimeä kantavan tieteellisen julkaisun The EcoHealth:in mukaan käsitteen pääfokus on ihmis-ja eläinkunnan ja ekosysteemien kokonaisterveyden lisäksi ekosysteemien -missä ihminen on osana -keskinäissuhteen tunnistavassa tutkimuksessa [34].…”