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Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective

Science Advances · 2019 · Vol. 5(7) · pp. eaax0903–eaax0903

Gregory N. Bratman✉(University of Washington)Christopher B. Anderson(Stanford University)Marc G. Berman(University of Chicago)B.J. Cochran(Willamette University)S. de Vries(Wageningen University & Research)Jon Flanders(Bat Conservation International)Carl Folke(Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences)Howard Frumkin(University of Washington)James J. Gross(Stanford University)Terry Hartig(Uppsala University)Peter H. Kahn(University of Washington)Ming Kuo(Illinois Department of Natural Resources)Joshua J. Lawler(University of Washington)Phillip S. Levin(The Nature Conservancy)Therese Lindahl(Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences)Andreas Meyer‐Lindenberg(Heidelberg University)Richard Mitchell(University of Glasgow)Zhiyun Ouyang(Chinese Academy of Sciences)Jenny Roe(University of Virginia)Lynn Scarlett(The Nature Conservancy)Jeffrey R. Smith(Stanford University)Matilda van den Bosch(University of British Columbia)Benedict W. Wheeler(University of Exeter)Mathew P. White(University of Exeter)Hua Zheng(Chinese Academy of Sciences)Gretchen C. Daily✉(Cardiovascular Institute of the South)

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Abstract

A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be made about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. Here, we first provide points of consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. We then show how ecosystem service assessments can be expanded to include mental health, and provide a heuristic, conceptual model for doing so.

Urban Green Space and Health Land Use and Ecosystem Services Urban Agriculture and SustainabilityMental healthEcosystem servicesPerspective (graphical)UrbanizationEmpirical evidencePsychologyValue (mathematics)Ecosystem healthCognitionNatural (archaeology)