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The Nature of Happiness: Nature Affiliation and Mental Well-Being

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Mental Well-Being

Abstract

It has been over 25 years since E. O. Wilson (Biophilia. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1984) wrote Biophilia, in which he argued for an evolved inclination among humans to affiliate with nature. Psychologists have examined both restorative and additive effects of nature-related experiences on health and well-being. We review correlational and experimental studies showing associations between nature affiliation (or nature immersion) and positive markers of mental health. The research evidence converges on the conclusion that nature involvement is good for us. We discuss future lines of research concerning mediators and moderators of the relationship between nature and well-being, the role of technologically mediated nature experiences, and the development of nature-related interventions aimed at boosting well-being.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Andrew J. Howell & Holli-Anne Passmore

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  1. Andrew J. Howell
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  2. Holli-Anne Passmore
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Correspondence to Andrew J. Howell .

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  1. , Dept. of Sociology, Emory University, Dickey Dr. 1555, Atlanta, 30322, Georgia, USA

    Corey L.M. Keyes

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Howell, A.J., Passmore, HA. (2013). The Nature of Happiness: Nature Affiliation and Mental Well-Being. In: Keyes, C. (eds) Mental Well-Being. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5195-8_11

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