University of Utah Study Highlights Nature’s Role in Mental Well-being
A recent study from the University of Utah found that spending even a short time in nature, as little as 10 minutes, can significantly benefit adults with mental illness. This study reviewed 30 years of research on the health benefits of being outdoors and found that nature has a powerful impact on mental health.
The Benefits of Nature
Decades of research show that whether it’s a short walk in a city park or a few days in the wilderness, being in nature improves mental health. The University of Utah study emphasizes that spending time outdoors can provide quick and effective mental health benefits.
Joanna Bettmann, a professor at the University of Utah College of Social Work and the study’s lead author, says, “We know nature plays an important role in human health, but behavioral health and health care providers often neglect to think about it as an intervention.”
Accessibility and Affordability
Published in the journal Ecopsychology, the study notes that nature exposure is accessible and affordable, requiring no professional oversight. Bettmann explains, “Focusing on increasing humans’ exposure to nature has the potential to ease overstrained health care systems throughout the globe.”
Even a short time in urban nature, like a city park, can be beneficial and is accessible for most people. “Ten minutes in urban nature is far less intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming for people who do not have the time, resources, interest, community support, or equipment to venture into the wilderness for days or weeks,” the authors wrote.
Types of Outdoor Spaces
The analysis found that water-based outdoor spaces, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, had the greatest positive effect on mental health. Activities like camping, farming, and gardening also provided significant benefits. Urban parks, mountains, and forests were also beneficial. Bettmann highlights the importance of preserving green spaces in both natural and built environments.
Comprehensive Research
Bettmann and her team analyzed 45 studies from a pool of 14,168 studies, including a total of 1,492 adult participants with diagnosed mental illnesses. These studies included both structured therapeutic interventions and unstructured nature experiences. The research was funded by Nature and Human Health Utah, a nonprofit organization.
Scott Couch and Dorothy Schmalz, co-authors of the study and faculty members at the University of Utah, contributed to the research. Schmalz, who chairs the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, praised Bettmann’s work in synthesizing the findings: “The work that Joanna did here in bringing it all together and culling through it and really figuring out what the overall message seems to be is an incredibly valuable contribution to understanding what this connection is.”
Utah’s Natural Advantage
Schmalz also noted that Utah, with its abundant natural resources, is an ideal place to study how nature affects human health and well-being. She believes that using this knowledge can help make Utah a leader in integrating outdoor activities into mental health strategies.
“Here we are surrounded by all these extraordinary natural resources,” Schmalz said. “Having this kind of knowledge to work nature into behavioral and mental health can help make Utah a place that’s known for taking advantage of the outdoors to be healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
Sources:
- University of Utah Study
- Ecopsychology Journal
- CNN Health
- Deseret News
