RESEARCH

A Systematic Review of the Ecobiopsychosocial Affects of Ecotherapy on Anxiety

This thesis reviews research showing that spending time in nature—through activities like gardening, forest walks, or interacting with animals—can help lower anxiety in both children and adults. It highlights that ecotherapy may be a practical and effective way to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being by addressing not only emotional but also physical and social factors.

Research Source: Theses/Dissertations

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Summary

This thesis examines how ecotherapy—through activities like gardening, forest bathing, and animal-assisted therapy—helps reduce anxiety by lowering stress hormones, improving neuroplasticity, and enhancing social connections. It highlights how nature-based therapy can be a practical, holistic approach to mental health, addressing both psychological and physiological aspects of anxiety.

Additionally, the study explores how urbanization and technology contribute to rising anxiety levels and emphasizes the need to reconnect with nature. Using theories like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it argues that ecotherapy not only improves individual well-being but also has broader societal benefits, making it a valuable complement to traditional anxiety treatments.

Link

Jolie, A. L. K. (2024). A systematic review of the ecobiopsychosocial affects of ecotherapy on anxiety [Doctoral Thesis, California Southern University]. In Proquest.com.

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