Considering biophilic tendencies when operationalising nature as medicine: a critical review

Abstract

This critical review adds to the rapidly expanding field of nature-health research and specifically its advancement towards defining and operationalising a ‘dose’ of nature required to support mental health. There is a wealth of literature to draw upon across broad areas of research where evidence of the restorative benefits of a relationship with nature is provided in order to design nature-based health interventions. However, due to variations in approach, support for nature to be salutogenic is a challenge to conceptualise. Drawing on theory to help develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of how interactions with nature support and improve wellbeing, the present review collates, describes and appraises tools designed to make sense of human-nature connection. Tools were evaluated in their ability to provide context to understanding factors associated with wellbeing, alongside their utility and relevance to work in the associated field. Importantly, drawing on the Bioavailability Model, the present work provides recommendations for the use of nature connection tools in future research, along with other considerations for understanding and contextualising discrepancies in the potential benefit of nature on prescription and its conceptualisation.