The DOI matches its Crossref record; 56 of the 57 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments
Open accessAbstract
Background: There is increasing interest in the potential role of the natural environment in human health and well-being. However, the evidence-base for specific and direct health or well-being benefits of activity within natural compared to more synthetic environments has not been systematically assessed. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to collate and synthesise the findings of studies that compare measurements of health or well-being in natural and synthetic environments. Effect sizes of the differences between environments were calculated and meta-analysis used to synthesise data from studies measuring similar outcomes. Results: Twenty-five studies met the review inclusion criteria. Most of these studies were crossover or controlled trials that investigated the effects of short-term exposure to each environment during a walk or run. This included 'natural' environments, such as public parks and green university campuses, and synthetic environments, such as indoor and outdoor built environments. The most common outcome measures were scores of different self-reported emotions. Based on these data, a meta-analysis provided some evidence of a positive benefit of a walk or run in a natural environment in comparison to a synthetic environment. There was also some support for greater attention after exposure to a natural environment but not after adjusting effect sizes for pretest differences. Meta-analysis of data on blood pressure and cortisol concentrations found less evidence of a consistent difference between environments across studies. Conclusions: Overall, the studies are suggestive that natural environments may have direct and positive impacts on well-being, but support the need for investment in further research on this question to understand the general significance for public health.
Overview
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Figures
Verification
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Although a previous meta-analysis has been published that examined whether exposure to natural environments has a positive impact on health and well-being (Bowler et al., 2010)”
From The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: a meta-analysis (2014) · cites this paper as Bowler et al., 2010
In the citing paper
“For example, exposure to natural environments decreases stress, increases happiness, improves mood, and restores attention (Berto, 2005; Bowler, Buyung-Ali, Knight, & Pullin, 2010; White, Alcock, Wheeler, & Depledge, 2013).”
From Behavioral trainings and manipulations to reduce delay discounting: A systematic review (2019) · cites this paper as Bowler, Buyung-Ali, Knight, & Pullin, 2010
In the citing paper
“Natural spaces have been shown to provide individuals with well-being benefits [47]”
From Understanding How Virtual Reality Can Support Mindfulness Practice: Mixed Methods Study (2020) · cites this paper as [47]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Citations
Cites
The restorative benefits of nature: toward an integrative framework
Kaplan, S. (1995) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2 · Cited by 6,923 · cited 1×
“This is postulated to occur through restorative qualities of the environment that promote feelings of ‘being away’ from routine activities and thoughts and ‘soft fascination’ with features in the natural environment that attract attention without requiring effort [14].”
BackgroundPromoting ecosystem and human health in urban areas using Green Infrastructure: A literature review
Tzoulas, K., Korpela, K., Venn, S., Yli‐Pelkonen, V., Kaźmierczak, A., Niemelä, J. K., & James, P. (2007) · Landscape and Urban Planning · doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2007.02.001 · Cited by 2,894
The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature.
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x · Cited by 2,535 · cited 8×
“Eight studies investigated effects on attention/concentration (including two studies that focused specifically on ratings of ADD/ADHD symptoms of children; see “Methodology”) [32,34,35,41,42,48,49].”
BackgroundResultInfluentialAesthetic and affective response to natural environment
Ulrich, R. S. (1983) · Behavior and the Natural Environment · doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-3539-9_4 · Cited by 2,241
Tracking restoration in natural and urban field settings
Hartig, T., Evans, G. W., Jamner, L. D., Davis, D. S., & Gärling, T. (2003) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/s0272-4944(02)00109-3 · Cited by 2,118 · cited 10×
“Eight studies investigated effects on attention/concentration (including two studies that focused specifically on ratings of ADD/ADHD symptoms of children; see “Methodology”) [32,34,35,41,42,48,49].”
BackgroundInfluentialThomas, B. H., Ciliska, D., Dobbins, M., & Micucci, S. (2004) · Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1524-475x.2004.04006.x · Cited by 2,118 · cited 1×
“A methodology quality checklist was devised, guided by items from an available quality assessment tool [25].”
MethodEffect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population study
Mitchell, R., & Popham, F. (2008) · The Lancet · doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(08)61689-x · Cited by 2,099
Green space, urbanity, and health: how strong is the relation?
Maas, J., Verheij, R. A., Groenewegen, P. P., de Vries, S., & Spreeuwenberg, P. (2006) · Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health · doi:10.1136/jech.2005.043125 · Cited by 1,976 · cited 1×
“Cross-sectional studies have suggested positive relationships between green space and health [16,17]; however, identifying the causal pathway can be complex.”
BackgroundRestorative Effects of Natural Environment Experiences
Hartig, T., Mang, M., & Evans, G. W. (1991) · Environment and Behavior · doi:10.1177/0013916591231001 · Cited by 1,700 · cited 9×
“The most common study participants were college/university students [30-32,35,37,38,40,41,44,46,47] and physically active individuals such as backpackers, regular runners or athletes [32,39,42-45].”
BackgroundInfluentialBarton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010) · Environmental Science & Technology · doi:10.1021/es903183r · Cited by 1,592 · cited 1×
“combined data from a range of different green exercise programs found consistent positive benefits [12].”
Background
Research works printed but not linked: 3
- Kaplan R, Kaplan S: The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. 1989, New York, Cambridge University Press
- Scholz U, Krombholz H: A study of the physical performance ability of children from wood kindergartens and from regular kindergartens. Motorik Mar. 2007, 1: 17-22.
- Peacock J, Hine R, Pretty J: The mental health benefits of green exercise activities and green care. 2007, Report for MIND
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 901–1,000 of 1,001
Wen, D. O. N. G., Dai, D., Mei, L., Wang, Y., Li, S., & Shen, P. (2025) · Building and Environment · doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.112690 · Cited by 16
Cracknell, D., Pahl, S., White, M. P., & Depledge, M. H. (2018) · Human Dimensions of Wildlife · doi:10.1080/10871209.2018.1449039 · Cited by 17
Youth Activities and Children’s Subjective Well-Being in Korea
Park, K., & Wang, S. (2018) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-018-0048-2 · Cited by 16
Supporting Children’s Well-being with Art in Nature: Artist Pedagogue Perceptions
Walshe, N., Lee, E., & Smith, M. J. (2020) · Journal of Education for Sustainable Development · doi:10.1177/0973408220930708 · Cited by 18
“…which has identified exposure to natural environments (i.e., time spent in, and engagement with, nature-rich environments: Swami et al., 2016) can reduce negative emotions, such as anger, anxiety and stress, and improve mental health and well-being (Bowler et al., 2010; Russell et al., 2013).”
BackgroundDobson, J., & Dempsey, N. (2019) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su11185029 · Cited by 17
Sánchez, R. O., Letiecq, B., & Ginsberg, M. R. (2019) · Journal of Family Theory & Review · doi:10.1111/jftr.12351 · Cited by 16
Nature Relatedness of Recreational Horseback Riders and Its Association with Mood and Wellbeing
Schwarzmüller-Erber, G., Stummer, H., Maier, M., & Kundi, M. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17114136 · Cited by 21
“Walking or running in nature can result in less sadness [43], tension, confusion and anger [45], while cognitive capacity [47] as well as energy, such as vitality and enthusiasm, can increase [43,45].”
BackgroundEnsure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All At All Ages
Dowling, K., Martin, R., Florentine, S. K., & Pearce, D. C. (2021) · Sustainable development goals series · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-38815-7_3 · Cited by 16
Andal, A. G. (2021) · Children s Geographies · doi:10.1080/14733285.2021.1962515 · Cited by 16
“Most of these models include safety in streets and access to nature, which is almost always restricted to green spaces (See Louv 2005; Bowler et al. 2010; Markevych et al. 2016; Dadvand et al. 2017; Brown et al. 2019; Engemann et al. 2019).”
BackgroundGrigoletto, A., Loi, A., Latessa, P. M., Marini, S., Rinaldo, N., Gualdi‐Russo, E., Zaccagni, L., & Toselli, S. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19159248 · Cited by 17
“This is in accordance with previous studies, which have suggested that young people are willing to walk for longer distances than the recommended 300 m, to have access to green urban space, if parks have some attractive features [34,35].”
BackgroundResultMeasuring time spent outdoors using a wearable camera and GPS
Lam, M., Kerr, J., Godbole, S. V., Chen, J. M., Oliver, M., Badland, H. M., Marshall, S. J., Kelly, P., Foster, C. E., & Doherty, A. (2013) · doi:10.1145/2526667.2526668 · Cited by 16
“General Terms Outdoor Health; SenseCam; GPS; Environmental Health INTRODUCTION Time spent outdoors in natural environments is related to multiple health benefits [1, 12].”
BackgroundThe Effect of Reflective Garden Walking on Adults With Increased Levels of Psychological Stress
McCaffrey, R. G., & Liehr, P. R. (2015) · Journal of Holistic Nursing · doi:10.1177/0898010115594934 · Cited by 19
“These findings seem to be consistent with findings from studies about the use of green spaces to reduce the symptoms of stress including those of Bowler et al. (2010), Orsega-Smith et al. (2004), and Qing (2010).”
ResultHalmstad University, C. O. R. O. W., Johnson, U., Ivarsson, A., Halmstad University, C. O. R. O. W., Parker, J., Halmstad University, C. O. R. O. W., Andersen, M. B., Halmstad University, C. O. R. O. W., Svetoft, I., & Halmstad University, S. O. B. (2019) · Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine · doi:10.26773/mjssm.190309 · Cited by 15
Psycho-behavioral responses to urban scenes: An exploration through eye-tracking
Tavakoli, A., Douglas, I. P., Noh, H. Y., Hwang, J., & Billington, S. L. (2024) · Cities · doi:10.1016/j.cities.2024.105568 · Cited by 15
Zwart, R., & Hines, R. (2022) · Journal of Outdoor Recreation Education and Leadership · doi:10.18666/jorel-2022-v14-i1-11139 · Cited by 15
Coping and Resilience Among Endurance Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Harman, B., Dessart, G., Puke, L., & Philippe, R. A. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.811499 · Cited by 15
Chawla, L. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942744 · Cited by 19
“Commonly, people report that they feel greater wellbeing and better general health when they are in nature or live among green surroundings (Bowler et al., 2010).”
BackgroundLymeus, F., White, M. P., Lindberg, P., & Hartig, T. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763650 · Cited by 18
Contextualizing eco‐anxiety and eco‐anger: tentative responses to visceral and numinous emotions
Rozuel, C., & Bellehumeur, C. R. (2022) · Journal of Analytical Psychology · doi:10.1111/1468-5922.12870 · Cited by 18
The dynamic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on park visits: A longitudinal study in the United States
Wu, X., Chen, W. Y., Zhang, K., & Lü, Y. (2023) · Urban forestry & urban greening · doi:10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128154 · Cited by 15
Weiss, B., Sleep, C. E., Beller, N. M., Erritzøe, D., & Campbell, W. K. (2023) · Journal of Psychedelic Studies · doi:10.1556/2054.2023.00291 · Cited by 15
Niculita‐Hirzel, H., Hirzel, A. H., & Wild, P. P. (2024) · Building and Environment · doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111362 · Cited by 16
Ten-Minute Physical Activity Breaks Improve Attention and Executive Functions in Healthcare Workers
Fischetti, F., Pepe, I., Greco, G., Ranieri, M., Poli, L., Cataldi, S., & Vimercati, L. (2024) · Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology · doi:10.3390/jfmk9020102 · Cited by 23
“An increasing body of research [100,101] underscores the beneficial effects of natural environments on mental and cognitive health.”
BackgroundDeterminants of adolescents’ pro-sustainable behavior: a systematic literature review using PRISMA
Bhattarai, P. C., Shrestha, R., Ray, S., & Knez, R. (2024) · Discover Sustainability · doi:10.1007/s43621-024-00291-6 · Cited by 19
“For example, [21] systematically reviewed the importance of the natural environment for health.”
Kaveh, S., Habibi, A., Nikkar, M., & Aflaki, A. (2024) · Nature-Based Solutions · doi:10.1016/j.nbsj.2024.100167 · Cited by 19
Holzman, D., Meletaki, V., Bobrow, I., Weinberger, A., Jivraj, R. F., Green, A., & Chatterjee, A. K. (2025) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102591 · Cited by 18
From species to communities: the signature of recreational use on a tropical river ecosystem
Deacon, A. E., Shimadzu, H., Dornelas, M., Ramnarine, I. W., & Magurran, A. E. (2015) · Ecology and Evolution · doi:10.1002/ece3.1800 · Cited by 16
“Users can appreciate the aesthetics of their surroundings, as well as enjoying exercise and social benefits — all of which contribute to quality of life (Bowler et al. 2010; Haines-Young and Potschin 2010).”
The Role and Value of Urban Forests and Green Infrastructure in Promoting Human Health and Wellbeing
Carrus, G., Dadvand, P., & Sanesi, G. (2017) · Future city · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-50280-9_17 · Cited by 15
Allan, R., Williamson, P. R., & Kulu, H. (2018) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.10.005 · Cited by 15
“One potential explanation is that the healthy migrant selection process exerts a positive influence, concentrating healthier individuals (migrants) within the capital, leading to reduced mortality (Boyle and Norman, 2010).”
BackgroundMackintosh, C., Griggs, G., & Tate, R. (2018) · Managing Sport and Leisure · doi:10.1080/23750472.2019.1595093 · Cited by 15
“A meta-analysis (Bowler et al., 2010) comparing urban and natural environments reported that the strongest restorative outcome of naturebased exercise was well-being, and a decrease in negative feelings such as sadness and Figure 2.”
BackgroundInfluentialBiodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change: Challenges, Opportunities and Evidence Gaps
Marselle, M. R., Stadler, J., Korn, H., Irvine, K. N., & Bonn, A. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_1 · Cited by 14
Exposure to pictures of natural landscapes may reduce cigarette smoking
Wu, W., & Chiou, W. (2019) · Addiction · doi:10.1111/add.14718 · Cited by 15
Effect of birdsongs and traffic noise on pedestrian walking speed during different seasons
Franěk, M., Režný, L., Šefara, D., & Cabal, J. (2019) · PeerJ · doi:10.7717/peerj.7711 · Cited by 16
Tomasi, S., Nuovo, S. D., & Hidalgo, M. C. (2020) · PsyEcology Bilingual Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1080/21711976.2020.1778388 · Cited by 15
Madsen, L. S., Jakubec, S. L., Nielsen, C. V., & Handberg, C. (2021) · Disability and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1080/09638288.2021.1897887 · Cited by 17
Lu, J., Luo, X., Yang, N., & Shen, Y. (2021) · Land · doi:10.3390/land10040339 · Cited by 15
“Some scholars believe that part of the effects are positive [25], such as relieving occupational stress, improving depression, enhancing sleep, and establishing a positive attitude [26,27].”
BackgroundCastro, C. V., & Rifai, H. S. (2021) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su131911018 · Cited by 15
Between fascination and fear – The impacts of urban wilderness on human health and wellbeing
Konijnendijk, C. C. (2012) · Socialmedicinsk tidskrift · doi:10.62607/smt.v89i3.43532 · Cited by 15
“Gradually more empirical knowledge is being accumulated on these impacts on people’s mental and physical health, as well as general wellbeing (Bowler et al., 2010a; Annerstedt, 2011).”
BackgroundEmpirische Befunde zum Zusammenhang von Landschaft und physischer Gesundheit
Claßen, T. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-531-19723-4_6 · Cited by 15
Reassessing Urban Health Interventions: Back to the Future with Google Street View Time Machine
Cândido, R. L., Steinmetz-Wood, M., Morency, P., & Kestens, Y. (2018) · American Journal of Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2018.04.047 · Cited by 15
Mindful adventures: a pilot study of the outward bound mindfulness program
Kirwin, M., Harper, N. J., Young, T., & Itzvan, I. (2019) · Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education · doi:10.1007/s42322-019-00031-9 · Cited by 15
“Cultivating mindfulness through connection with nature A significant evidence-base has grown to support associations between nature and improved physical and mental health (Bratman et al. 2012; Bowler et al. 2010; Maller et al. 2006; Tzoulas et al. 2007).”
BackgroundJames, G., Kidd, K., Cooley, S. J., & Fenton, K. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.769590 · Cited by 15
“Nature has been identified to have preventative and restorative benefits for a range of mental health needs (Bowler et al., 2010; Engemann et al., 2019, 2020).”
BackgroundThe Restorative Environment and Salutogenesis: Complementary Concepts Revisited
von Lindern, E., Lymeus, F., & Hartig, T. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-79515-3_35 · Cited by 17
“Looking across multiple experiments, one meta-analysis has affirmed the beneficial effects of contact with nature in terms of reduced feelings of anger, anxiety, fatigue and sadness; however, they found too few suitable experiments to reliably affirm physiological benefits (Bowler et al., 2010).”
BackgroundLandscape Perception and the Importance of Recreation Areas for Students during the Pandemic Time
Bernat, S., Trykacz, K., & Skibiński, J. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19169837 · Cited by 14
Ulset, V. S., Borge, A. I. H., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M. R., & Bekkhus, M. (2022) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101942 · Cited by 18
Loosen, A. E., Capdevila, T. V., Pigeon, K. E., Wright, P., & Jacob, A. L. (2023) · Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism · doi:10.1016/j.jort.2023.100615 · Cited by 14
Jeong, N. R., Han, S.-W., & Ko, B. (2023) · Forests · doi:10.3390/f14040837 · Cited by 14
Green Social Prescribing in Practice: A Case Study of Walsall, UK
Sun, Q., Loveday, M., Nwe, S. N., Morris, N., & Boxall, E. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20176708 · Cited by 17
Kim, J. Y., Kubo, T., & Nishihiro, J. (2023) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-47326-y · Cited by 14
“Our results add to the empirical evidence describing the shift in the realized value of protected areas (natural environments) within residential areas during the COVID-19 pandemic 13,32,34 .”
BackgroundResultEvaluation of Urinary Limonene Metabolites as Biomarkers of Exposure to Greenness
Xie, Z., Sutaria, S. R., Chen, J. Y., Gao, H. T., Conklin, D. J., Keith, R. J., Srivastava, S., Lorkiewicz, P. K., & Bhatnagar, A. (2023) · Environmental Research · doi:10.1016/j.envres.2023.117991 · Cited by 13
Greenery hypothesis: An evolutionary explanation for why presence/absence of green affects humans
Fukano, Y., & Soga, M. (2024) · People and Nature · doi:10.1002/pan3.10619 · Cited by 20
The impact of outdoor soundscapes at nursing homes on physiological indicators in older adults
Long, X., Lei, Y., Mahyuddin, N., & Din, N. B. C. (2024) · Applied Acoustics · doi:10.1016/j.apacoust.2024.110008 · Cited by 14
Syrbe, R., Meier, S., Moyzes, M., Dworczyk, C., & Grunewald, K. (2024) · Land · doi:10.3390/land13050689 · Cited by 14
Exposure to green spaces and schizophrenia: a systematic review
Marcham, L., & Ellett, L. (2024) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291724001533 · Cited by 15
Meng, Y., Shi, J., Lyu, M., Sun, D., & Fukuda, H. (2024) · Land · doi:10.3390/land13101688 · Cited by 15
Beyond despair: Leveraging ecosystem restoration for psychosocial resilience
Smith, C. S., DeMattia, E. A., Albright, E., Bromberger, A. F., Hayward, O. G., Mackinson, I. J., Mantell, S., McAdoo, B. G., McAfee, D., McCollum, A., et al. (2025) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.2307082121 · Cited by 14
MacDonald, E. A., Harbrow, M., Jack, S., Kidd, J., Wright, A. J., Tuinder, P., Balanovic, J., Medvecky, F., & Poutasi, M. (2019) · Conservation Science and Practice · doi:10.1111/csp2.101 · Cited by 14
“Additionally, Bowler et al. (2010) found increases in exercise and intrinsic and restorative qualities when spending time in nature.”
BackgroundBotella-Carrubí, D., Móstoles, R. C., & Escrivá-Beltrán, M. (2019) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su11236605 · Cited by 14
“These are lured by a host of factors such as the beautiful scenery, the originality of the place, the proximity to interesting places [13], the conviction that the mental regeneration is greater [29], the obtaining of more positive specific health and well-being outcomes [30], the conviction that mental regeneration i…”
BackgroundTree Canopy Coverage Predicts Lower Conduct Problem Severity in Children with ASD
Barger, B. D., Larson, L. R., Ogletree, S. S., Torquati, J., Rosenberg, S. A., Gaither, C. J., Bartz, J. M., Gardner, A. W., & Moody, E. J. (2020) · Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities · doi:10.1080/19315864.2020.1714824 · Cited by 15
Effects on general health associated with beach proximity in Barcelona (Spain)
Ballesteros-Olza, M., de Rentería, P. G., & Zabaleta, A. P. (2020) · Health Promotion International · doi:10.1093/heapro/daaa013 · Cited by 15
Measuring the spatial quality of bedrooms in nursing homes with visual environmental performance
Wei, D., & Li, X. (2021) · Frontiers of Architectural Research · doi:10.1016/j.foar.2021.01.003 · Cited by 14
The Effects of Park Based Interventions on Health: The Italian Project “Moving Parks”
Toselli, S., Bragonzoni, L., Dallolio, L., Grigoletto, A., Masini, A., Marini, S., Barone, G., Pinelli, E., Zinno, R., Mauro, M., et al. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19042130 · Cited by 16
“In addition, the beneficial effects of PA in natural environments were higher than those carried out in more synthetic environments, reducing negative emotions [15,31,32].”
BackgroundLuo, J., Wang, M., Chen, B., & Sun, M. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph192114583 · Cited by 17
Davis, C., & Edge, S. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph192315505 · Cited by 15
““Greenspace” provides various direct and indirect human health benefits [2], including promoting physical activities/exercise [14], reducing negative emotions, supporting higher energy levels and attention spans, and overall feelings of wellbeing [9,15].”
BackgroundCao, Y., & Li, H. (2022) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115625 · Cited by 14
Examining the effects of green space accessibility on school performance for 3421 elementary schools
Rakowska, S. B., Lutz, K. L., Réquia, W. J., & Adams, M. D. (2023) · Landscape and Urban Planning · doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2023.104731 · Cited by 14
Votsi, N.-E., Mazaris, A. D., Kallimanis, A. S., Drakou, E. G., & Pantis, J. D. (2013) · International Journal of Environmental Health Research · doi:10.1080/09603123.2013.800965 · Cited by 13
“…that natural areas are strongly associated with disease distribution at national level, confirming nature’s impact on well-being and revealing its particular landscape characteristics with view to promoting public and environmental health management and conserving biodiversity (Bowler et al. 2010).”
BackgroundInfluentialThe Grass is Greener: How Greenery Impacts the Perceptions of Urban Residential Property
Poškus, M. S., & Poškienė, D. (2015) · Social Inquiry into Well-Being · doi:10.13165/siiw-15-1-1-03 · Cited by 14
Alkahtani, S. A., Eisa, A., Kannas, J., & Shamlan, G. H. (2019) · Clinical Nutrition Experimental · doi:10.1016/j.yclnex.2019.10.003 · Cited by 16
Measuring Green Space Effects on Attention and Stress in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review
Barger, Torquati, Larson, L. R., Bartz, Johnson-Gaither, Gardner, Moody, Rosenberg, Schutte, Murray, et al. (2021) · Children Youth and Environments · doi:10.7721/chilyoutenvi.31.1.0001 · Cited by 16
“Attention and stress are two of the most commonly studied health outcomes in the green space literature (Bowler et al., 2010; Hartig et al., 2014; Kuo, 2015).”
BackgroundBuilding Positive Psychological Resources
Gilbert, E. K., Foulk, T. A., & Bono, J. E. (2017) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118993811.ch33 · Cited by 15
Hasebe, T., & HARADA, Y. (2025) · Building and Environment · doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.112637 · Cited by 14
Awada, M., Becerik-Gerber, B., Lucas, G., & Roll, S. C. (2025) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102628 · Cited by 20
Uebel, K., Ratcliffe, E., Buchan, C., Butler, S. J., Hanley, N., Higney, A., & Marselle, M. R. (2025) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102735 · Cited by 14
Madsen, L. S., Handberg, C., Jensen, C. M., & Nielsen, C. V. (2020) · Disability & Society · doi:10.1080/09687599.2020.1783206 · Cited by 13
Chan, C. S., & Hazan, H. (2022) · SSM - Mental Health · doi:10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100071 · Cited by 13
“…al., 2013), regular physical activity (e.g., Josefsson et al., 2014; Matricciani et al., 2018; Saunders et al., 2016), closeness with nature (e.g., Bowler et al., 2010; Capaldi et al., 2014), supportive kinships and friendships (e.g., Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Uchino et al., 2018; Wittig et al.,…”
BackgroundThe Role of the Campus Outdoor Environment on University Student Mental Health
Koning, M., Kim, J., Saeidi-Rizi, F., & Durst, N. J. (2022) · Journal of people, plants, and environment · doi:10.11628/ksppe.2022.25.3.263 · Cited by 17
“The idea that natural environments are beneficial to human health and wellbeing has been carefully considered and studied for many years (Bowler et al., 2010).”
BackgroundThe Role of Courtyards within Acute Mental Health Wards: Designing with Recovery in Mind
McIntosh, J., Marques, B., & Jenkin, G. L. S. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191811414 · Cited by 24
“Exposure to nature is one key aspect of participation in outdoor activities that provides a range of health benefits, including the perception of barriers and relief from stress [3,55–61], improved physical health [62,63] and mental wellbeing [64,65].”
BackgroundAranda, N. R., Waegemaeker, J. D., & de Weghe, N. V. (2023) · Journal of Environmental Planning and Management · doi:10.1080/09640568.2023.2177141 · Cited by 14
“2012; V € olker and Kistemann 2015; Bowler et al .”
BackgroundWang, M., Hai, H., Xiong, J., Yuan, Z., & Zeng, K. (2023) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116186 · Cited by 13
Janeczko, E., Gorski, J., Woźnicka, M., Czyżyk, K., Kędziora, W., & Korcz, N. (2023) · Forests · doi:10.3390/f14091904 · Cited by 13
Samaan, L., Klock, L., Weber, S., Reidick, M. C., Ascone, L., & Kühn, S. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph21050598 · Cited by 16
“These benefits have been shown for healthy (e.g., [1,3]) and for patient populations, including patients with depression or anxiety [5,6] as well as patients with physical illnesses such as cancer [7].”
BackgroundPoortinga, W., Denney, J., Kelly, K. M., Oates, R., Phillips, R., Oliver, H., & Hallingberg, B. (2024) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102376 · Cited by 15
“Green exercise is demonstrated to significantly improve physical and mental health above the same activity in urban settings (Barton et al., 2012; Bowler et al., 2010), and these benefits may be gained from any size and type of green space, from small urban parks to vast wilderness (Pretty et al.,…”
BackgroundBressane, A., Ferreira, M. E. G., Garcia, A. J. D. S., & Medeiros, L. C. D. C. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph21070937 · Cited by 14
“A systematic review by Bowler et al. [11] analyzed various studies assessing the impact of natural environments on stress.”
BackgroundA blueprint for overcoming barriers to the use of nature-based coastal protection in Australia
Morris, R. L., Pomeroy, A., Boxshall, A., Colleter, G., Dack, D., Dunlop, A. R., Hanslow, D. J., King, S., Magini, A. G., O’Malley-Jones, K., et al. (2024) · Frontiers in Environmental Science · doi:10.3389/fenvs.2024.1435833 · Cited by 13
Zhu, B.-W., Feng, C.-W., Xiong, L., Zheng, W., Wang, G., Zhang, X., & Tzeng, G. (2024) · Journal of Urban Planning and Development · doi:10.1061/jupddm.upeng-5194 · Cited by 13
Estimating and mapping the value of cultural ecosystem services in an urban landscape context
Adhikary, M., Ghosh, D., Mandal, B., & Das, S. (2025) · Applied Geography · doi:10.1016/j.apgeog.2025.103556 · Cited by 13
Green Streets Social and Aesthetic Aspects
Sabbion, P. (2018) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-812150-4.00026-4 · Cited by 13
Flynn, E., Denson, E. B., Mueller, M. K., Gandenberger, J., & Morris, K. N. (2020) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101223 · Cited by 13
Marić, J., Đjukić, A., Antonić, B., Furundžić, D. S., & Parežanin, V. (2021) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su13010336 · Cited by 13
Mental Health Outcome Measures in Environmental Design Research: A Critical Review
Shin, J., Dennis, S. F., & Mohammed, H. (2021) · HERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal · doi:10.1177/1937586721999787 · Cited by 15
“This observation aligns with the result from a recent metaanalysis conducted on the impact of nature on physiological measures (Bowler et al., 2010).”
ResultViewing Natural vs. Urban Images and Emotional Facial Expressions: An Exploratory Study
Franěk, M., & Petružálek, J. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18147651 · Cited by 14
Can the Biophilia Hypothesis Be Applied to Long-Duration Human Space Flight? A Mini-Review
Neilson, B. N., Craig, C. M., Altman, G. C., Travis, A. T., Vance, J. A., & Klein, M. I. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703766 · Cited by 14
Panno, A., Theodorou, A., Carbone, G. A., Longis, E. D., Massullo, C., Cepale, G., Carrus, G., Imperatori, C., & Sanesi, G. (2021) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su131910807 · Cited by 14
Marois, A., & Lafond, D. (2022) · Cognition Technology & Work · doi:10.1007/s10111-022-00715-1 · Cited by 16
Digital and Strategic Innovation for Alpine Health Tourism
Spoladore, D., Pessot, E., & Sacco, M. (2022) · SpringerBriefs in applied sciences and technology · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-15457-7 · Cited by 13
Does Taking a Walk in Nature Enhance Long-Term Memory?
Rider, N. D., & Bodner, G. E. (2016) · Ecopsychology · doi:10.1089/eco.2015.0042 · Cited by 14
Travel and child wellbeing: The psychological and cognitive domains
Westman, J., Friman, M., & Olsson, L. E. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-814694-1.00003-8 · Cited by 13
Insect herbivory on urban trees: Complementary effects of tree neighbours and predationPreprint
Stemmelen, A., Paquette, A., Benot, M., Kadiri, Y., Jactel, H., & Castagneyrol, B. (2020) · bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · doi:10.1101/2020.04.15.042317 · Cited by 13
Aras, S. G., Runyon, J. R., Kazman, J. B., Thayer, J. F., Sternberg, E. M., & Deuster, P. A. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph21111491 · Cited by 17
Metadata
- Authors
- Bowler, D. E., Buyung-Ali, L. M., Knight, T. M., & Pullin, A. S.
- Affiliations
- Bangor University (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Pullin, Andrew S
- Venue
- BMC Public Health
- Published
- 2010-08-04
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 456-456
- ISSN
- 1471-2458 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC2924288
- OpenAlex
- W2115180584
- Cited by
- 1,993
- References
- 57
- Citations by year
- 2026: 108 · 2025: 146 · 2024: 206 · 2023: 172 · 2022: 176 · 2021: 184 · 2020: 227 · 2019: 167 · 2018: 138 · 2017: 103 · 2016: 112 · 2015: 80 · 2014: 78 · 2013: 54 · 2012: 24
- FWCI
- 3.06
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- BMC Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- Natural England
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Urban Studies › Urban Green Space and Health
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Acoustics and Ultrasonics › Noise Effects and Management
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Physical Activity and Health
- Keywords
- natural environment, synthetic environments, built environment, well-being, self-reported emotion, attention, blood pressure, cortisol, walking, running, green spaces, public parks, urban green space, nature exposure
- MeSH terms
- Health Status, Humans, Personal Satisfaction, Nature
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
