The Human–Nature Relationship and Its Impact on Health: A Critical Review

Abstract

Within the past four decades, research has been increasingly drawn toward understanding whether there is a link between the changing human–nature relationship and its impact on people’s health. However, to examine whether there is a link requires research of its breadth and underlying mechanisms from an interdisciplinary approach. This article begins by reviewing the debates concerning the human–nature relationship, which are then critiqued and redefined from an interdisciplinary perspective. The concept and chronological history of “health” is then explored, based on the World Health Organization’s definition. Combining these concepts, the human–nature relationship and its impact on human’s health are then explored through a developing conceptual model. It is argued that using an interdisciplinary perspective can facilitate a deeper understanding of the complexities involved for attaining optimal health at the human–environmental interface.

Relaxation Effect of a 2-Hour Walk in Kumano-Kodo Forest

“…As walking can also strengthen physical fitness, the use of the forest for improving health seems to be an excellent suggestion. The relationship between humans and nature in terms of stress relief, health promotion, rehabilitation, and disease prevention would be worthwhile [26]. We aim to conduct further research on how walking in the forest contributes to health.…”

“…Studies on forest bathing shinrin-yoku, most of which have been conducted in Japan [2][3][4][5][6][7], have shown that spending time in a forest reduces the pulse rate, reduces cortisol, suppresses sympathetic activity, increases parasympathetic activity, and lowers blood pressure compared with spending time in an urban area. Similar results are obtained even after only about 15 to 20 minutes of walking in the forest [8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…The first study to report that shinrin-yoku reduces stress was conducted in 1996 [2]. Many studies have since shown the stress-relieving effect of shinrin-yoku [3][4][5][6][7]. These studies measured cortisol in saliva, sympathetic and parasympathetic functions, blood pressure, and heart rate variability as indices of stress.…”

Land and nature as sources of health and resilience among Indigenous youth in an urban Canadian context: a photovoice exploration

“…A growing body of evidence illustrates a positive relationship between access to green space or natural environments and peoples' perceived health, mental health, resilience, and overall well-being [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Indeed, the assertion that nature can have beneficial or restorative health effects is well established; where reductions in stress, increased focus and concentration, improved general well-being, and heightened vitality are all positively related to the presence of and human connections with nature [9][10][11][12].…”

Use of green area of Kastamonu: Case study of Clock Tower

“…Preventing visual pollution in city enables human beings to live in a beautiful landscape, relax spiritually and establish sincere love for all living creatures and non-living things as well as their environments [6] . There are many studies showing the relationship between natural green space and human health [7][8][9][10] . Some research reveals the ecological benefits [11] , recreational benefits [12] , psychological benefits [13][14][15][16] , environmental benefits [17] , and economic benefits [18] of open green spaces.…”