Research shows that being told to 'go outside and connect with nature' reduces the benefits of being in the natural environment
Many people who grew up indoors have likely had the experience of being told by their parents or teachers to 'go outside and play.' Going outside and interacting with nature is good for both the mind and body, but research has shown that 'being told repeatedly can actually reduce the benefits.'
Results from an 18 country cross-sectional study examining experiences of nature for people with common mental health disorders | Scientific Reports
Research news - Green prescriptions could undermine the benefits of spending time in nature - University of Exeter
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/research/title_824180_en.html
Mental health benefits of nature cannot be prescribed • Earth.com
https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-benefits-of-nature-cannot-be-prescribed/
Past research has confirmed that spending time in nature has various benefits, including reducing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and improving happiness. Because its effects are comparable to those of medicines prescribed in hospitals, the recommendation by medical professionals to patients to spend time in nature is called a 'green prescription.'
What is the 'green prescription' prescribed instead of medicine? - GIGAZINE
While many studies support the benefits of 'contact with nature,' there has been little research on the effectiveness of doctors or family members recommending contact with nature to their patients as a 'green prescription.'
A research team led by Matilda van den Bos of the University of Exeter conducted a survey of 18,838 people living in 18 countries. They asked participants about whether they had been prescribed medication for depression or anxiety by a doctor, their motivations for visiting nature and how often they visited, their feelings of happiness and anxiety, and whether they had experienced social pressure to visit nature.
The research team summarized the results of their survey and found that even among people suffering from depression or anxiety, those who were in contact with nature reported greater happiness and less anxiety than those who were not. However, those who felt social pressure to be in contact with nature also reported relatively stronger anxiety.
Michelle Tester-Jones, co-author of the paper, said: 'These findings are consistent with previous findings that natural environments help people relax and recover from stress.'
'What we've learned is that health care professionals and families need to be careful when encouraging people with depression or anxiety to spend time in nature. If someone with depression or anxiety has found a place they already enjoys, encouraging them to spend more time there may help them make the most of their pleasant experience,' Tester-Jones said. He pointed out that in some cases, it may be better to encourage people to spend time in places they enjoy, rather than forcing them to visit nature.
In addition, Mr. van den Bosch said, 'Contact with greenery should not be forced on anyone, but should be done at each individual's own pace and of their own free will.' He concluded that it is important not to pressure medical professionals when using 'green prescriptions.'
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