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Behavioral Sciences
Special Issues
Mental Health and the Natural Environment
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Mental Health and the Natural Environment

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 9556

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Curt Davidson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Haub School of the Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82070, USA
Interests: mental health; experiential education; outdoor recreation; tourism; sustainability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of natural environments' profound impact on mental health and well-being. As urbanization accelerates and lifestyles become increasingly detached from nature, many individuals experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, exposure to natural settings—whether through green spaces like parks and forests or blue spaces like rivers and oceans—has alleviated mental fatigue, reduced stress, and enhanced overall psychological well-being.

The intricate relationship between mental health and the natural environment involves physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. Climate change and environmental degradation add further complexity, posing both direct and indirect threats to mental health. Unequal access to natural environments can also exacerbate health disparities among different populations.

Purpose of the Special Issue

This Special Issue aims to deepen our understanding of the connections between mental health and the natural environment. We explore how interactions with nature promote psychological well-being, identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, and examine how environmental challenges impact mental health. We hope to inform interventions, policies, and practices that leverage natural environments to enhance mental health outcomes by gathering cutting-edge research from diverse disciplines.

Topics of Interest

We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Psychological benefits of nature exposure.
  • Studies on how regular interaction with natural environments influences mental health outcomes.
  • Research on the restorative effects of green and blue spaces on cognitive function and emotional regulation.
  • Nature-based interventions.
  • Evaluations of programs like experiential education, ecotherapy, wilderness therapy, and horticultural therapy in treating mental health disorders.
  • Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating nature into clinical practice.
  • Analyses of how climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation contribute to psychological distress and disorders.
  • Research on eco-anxiety and its implications for different demographic groups.
  • Studies examining disparities in access to natural environments based on socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location.
  • Strategies to improve equitable access to nature for underserved communities.
  • Assessments of green infrastructure projects and their psychological benefits.
  • Exploration of virtual reality or simulated natural environments as tools for mental health interventions.
  • Impact of digital nature experiences on individuals with limited access to real natural settings.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches combining psychology, ecology, sociology, and public health.
  • Recommendations for policymakers on integrating natural environments into mental health strategies.
  • Analyses of existing policies and their effectiveness in promoting mental well-being through nature.

Dr. Curt Davidson
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health
  • behavioral health
  • nature
  • natural environment
  • nature therapy
  • ecotherapy
  • experiential education

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 722 KiB  
Article
Anxiety in Outdoor Experiential Education: Examining Predictors, Sources, and Implications for Program Design
by Curt Davidson, Hannah McConnell, Kelsie Sibbald, Brian Croft and Ryan Zwart
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15060777 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Pre-trip anxiety is a critical yet understudied factor influencing participation and engagement in Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) programs. Anxiety can serve as both a motivator and a barrier, shaping participants’ willingness to engage in challenging activities. This study examines the sources, predictors, and [...] Read more.
Pre-trip anxiety is a critical yet understudied factor influencing participation and engagement in Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) programs. Anxiety can serve as both a motivator and a barrier, shaping participants’ willingness to engage in challenging activities. This study examines the sources, predictors, and temporal progression of pre-trip anxiety among OEE participants, with a focus on experience level, gender differences, and activity type. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from students and staff at two Midwestern universities across three time points leading to an OEE program. Measures included the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a course-specific worry scale assessing concerns such as physical ability, social dynamics, and environmental risks. Results indicate that experience level can predict anxiety, with less experienced participants reporting higher levels of concern. Gender differences were also observed, with female participants exhibiting greater pre-trip anxiety, particularly in water-based activities. However, anxiety remained relatively stable across time intervals, suggesting that interventions may be effective at multiple stages before a program begins. These findings have practical implications for OEE design, including targeted pre-trip interventions, adjusted program marketing, and tailored support strategies to reduce barriers to participation and enhance student preparedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and the Natural Environment)
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17 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
An Analysis of the Factors Associated with the Seasonal Variability of Physical Activity in Natural Environments in a Sample of Lithuanian Adults
by Rasa Jankauskiene and Migle Baceviciene
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15060773 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
Engagement in physical activity (PA) in natural environments is known to promote physical and psychological well-being, yet little is known about how such activity fluctuates across seasons and how it relates to individual characteristics and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Engagement in physical activity (PA) in natural environments is known to promote physical and psychological well-being, yet little is known about how such activity fluctuates across seasons and how it relates to individual characteristics and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the seasonal variability of PA in nature and examine its associations with sociodemographic factors, nature-related experiences, and overall QoL in a sample of Lithuanian adults. A total of 924 participants (680 women and 244 men) with a mean age of 40.0 ± 12.4 years completed an online survey. The study measures included sociodemographic characteristics, nature proximity, exposure, connectedness, perceived restoration in nature and QoL measured by the WHOQOL. Based on self-reported seasonal behaviour, participants were categorized into three groups: irregular or no PA in natural environments, seasonal variability, and regular year-round PA in natural environments. In the present study, we observed the lowest rates of PA in natural environments in winter and the highest in summer. Comparative analyses revealed that individuals with regular PA in natural environments reported significantly greater financial security, nature exposure and connectedness, proximity to green spaces, and overall QoL compared to less regular PA in nature groups. A multiple regression analysis identified financial security, nature proximity, nature exposure, connectedness, and perceived restoration in nature as significant and positive predictors of QoL. These findings point to the problem of inequity and suggest that inequitable access to PA in natural environments manifests as a higher seasonality of PA in nature. The practical implications of the study highlight the importance of addressing equity and promoting consistent PA in nature throughout seasons. During the dark, wet, and cold periods, it is important to implement targeted interventions that improve access to natural environments for individuals with lower financial security. This could help reduce inequity in physical activity. Promoting access to green spaces and fostering nature connectedness may be particularly valuable strategies in public health interventions aimed at enhancing QoL across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and the Natural Environment)
14 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Engaging in Physical Activity in Green Spaces at Night Is Associated with Mental Well-Being and Happiness
by Chun Jiang, Xing Zhang, Siyuan Feng and Hansen Li
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030313 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1066
Abstract
This study aims to explore the impact of the timing (day vs. night) and location (green space vs. non-green space) of outdoor physical activity on college students’ mental health. We designed a cross-sectional study based on self-reported data, asking participants to recall their [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore the impact of the timing (day vs. night) and location (green space vs. non-green space) of outdoor physical activity on college students’ mental health. We designed a cross-sectional study based on self-reported data, asking participants to recall their physical activity and mental health status over the past month through a questionnaire. Specifically, a survey was conducted at a university in Chongqing, collecting data on outdoor physical activity and mental health indicators (including anxiety, depression, mental well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, and stress) from 418 students (75 females). The questionnaire was distributed via an online platform, allowing students to complete it using either their mobile phones or computers. The data collection took place in December 2024. The results showed that about half of the participants preferred engaging in outdoor physical activity in the nighttime, with most choosing green spaces. Regression analysis revealed that participants who engaged in outdoor physical activity at night had significantly lower anxiety levels compared to those who engaged in outdoor physical activity during the day (mean difference (MD) = −1.015; 95% CI = −1.974 to −0.055; p = 0.038). Additionally, compared to participants who engaged in outdoor physical activity in green spaces, those who engaged in physical activity in non-green spaces reported lower levels of mental well-being (MD = −1.531; 95% CI = −2.480 to −0.582; p = 0.002) and subjective happiness (MD = −0.462; 95% CI = −0.917 to −0.007; p = 0.047). Sensitivity analysis indicated that, for those who participated in nighttime activities, engaging in outdoor physical activity in green spaces was associated with higher levels of mental well-being (MD = 2.025; 95% CI = 0.810 to 0.324; p = 0.001) and happiness (MD = 0.583; 95% CI = 0.026 to 1.140; p = 0.040). Sensitivity analysis also revealed slight gender differences; however, the findings related to females should be interpreted with caution due to the insufficient sample size. Overall, despite some differences in time and location choices, engaging in outdoor physical activity at night in green spaces appears to associate with college students’ health, particularly their happiness and mental well-being. This study provides preliminary evidence of the potential benefits of nighttime green outdoor physical activity for improving college students’ mental health and offers directions for future research in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and the Natural Environment)

Other

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19 pages, 2042 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Nature Exposure Dose on Adults with Mental Illness
by Joanna Ellen Bettmann, Elizabeth Speelman, Annelise Jolley and Tallie Casucci
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020153 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 6289
Abstract
Time spent in nature leads to significant physical and mental benefits, but research is mixed on how much time in nature is necessary to affect change in adults’ mental health. This meta-analysis aimed to answer the question: what effect does length and interval [...] Read more.
Time spent in nature leads to significant physical and mental benefits, but research is mixed on how much time in nature is necessary to affect change in adults’ mental health. This meta-analysis aimed to answer the question: what effect does length and interval of nature dosage have on adults with mental illness? The authors defined nature exposure as an experience in nature lasting at least 10 minutes and taking place in an actual natural setting. Because some studies indicated single experiences of exposure to nature (one-time) while others utilized multiple exposures to nature (interval), these studies were separated to determine differences between one-time versus interval exposure to nature. Following Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA reporting guidelines, this review included 78 studies published between 1990 and 2020. The present study found that one-time and interval nature exposure yielded different results for adults with a diagnosed mental illness and adults with symptoms of mental illness. Notably, shorter nature exposure delivered in intervals appeared to show positive significant effects, even more than one-time exposure. This finding has important implications for public health and green space preservation, as being outside for as little as 10 minutes and even in urban nature can improve adults’ mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and the Natural Environment)
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