Nature-Based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing in Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Review

Eleanor M. Taylor, Noelle Robertson, Courtney J. Lightfoot, Alice C. Smith and Ceri R. Jones
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Eleanor M. Taylor: Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7HA, UK
Noelle Robertson: Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7HA, UK
Courtney J. Lightfoot: Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Team, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
Alice C. Smith: Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Team, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
Ceri R. Jones: Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7HA, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-23

Abstract: Background: With the global burden of disease increasing, particularly in relation to often preventable chronic diseases, researchers and clinicians are keen to identify interventions that can mitigate ill health and enhance the psychological wellbeing of people living with long-term conditions (LTCs). It is long established that engagement with nature can support human health and wellbeing, and in recent years, nature-based interventions (NBIs) have been advanced as of potential benefit. This review thus sought to systematically appraise published evidence of the application of NBIs to address psychological wellbeing for those living with LTCs. Methods: A systematic search of three databases, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and SCOPUS, was undertaken, and the BestBETs quality assessment checklist was used to appraise methodological quality of elicited studies. Results: Of 913 studies identified, 13 studies (12 using quantitative methods, one qualitative) were used. Included papers reported use of a variety of psychological outcomes alongside more circumscribed physiological outcomes. Quality appraisal showed modest robustness, some methodological weaknesses and a dominance of application in developed countries, yet synthesis of studies suggested that reported psychological and physiological outcomes present a strong argument for NBIs having a promising and positive impact on psychological wellbeing. Conclusions: NBIs have positive psychological and physiological impacts on people with LTCs, suggesting they may be a suitable addition to current maintenance treatment. Future research should focus on minimising study bias and increasing the potential for cross-cultural applications.

Keywords: long-term conditions; nature-based intervention; systematic review; nature; physical health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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