RESEARCH
Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review
Summary
horticultural, wilderness, and adventure therapies. While these approaches have demonstrated benefits in mental, emotional, and physical well-being—such as reducing anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues—there is a notable lack of theoretical clarity regarding how nature contributes to therapeutic outcomes. Commonly referenced theories, such as Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), suggest that natural environments enhance mental health by promoting relaxation and cognitive recovery, but clear causal mechanisms remain underexplored.
The findings indicate a need for more rigorous research to define the mechanisms through which nature-based therapies achieve their effects. The study highlights the importance of structured intervention models, standardized measurement tools, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of outdoor therapies. As public health authorities increasingly recognize nature-based solutions for mental and physical health, the research calls for a unified framework that integrates diverse therapeutic approaches while advancing empirical understanding of nature’s role in healing.
