Nature Contact as a Health Behavior
Steps to Maturing the Field
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15686097 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jay E Maddock (0000-0002-1119-0300, Texas A&M University System, corresponding author), Nooshin Razani (0000-0003-2601-987X, University of California, San Francisco) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 245-251 |
| Publication date | 2024-11-06 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Ecopsychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1942-9347 • E-ISSN: 1942-9347 |
| Publisher | Mary Ann Liebert, Inc (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1089/eco.2024.0046 |
| OpenAlex | W4404116305 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 5 |
| References cited | 24 |
There is growing evidence of the positive health benefits of spending time in nature, yet most people in developed economies spend little time in natural environments. Significant disparities in nature contact also exist in several population groups. In this paper, we explore nature contact as a health behavior. We examine the steps that the field of physical activity took starting the in 1990s to become a mature field of study in health behavior. These steps include: 1. creating a professional society and conference; 2. surveillance / common measures; 3. development of national guidelines; 4. a Community Guide review; 5. a Surgeon General’s Report; 6. a National Nature and Health Plan; 7. development of educational Programs; 8. creation of a journal; 9. Funding agency priorities and consensus document; 10. creation of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nature and Health Branch; 11. clinical guidelines and reimbursement for nature prescriptions. The proposed steps can reinforce each other, creating a strong, interconnected framework that accelerates the field’s growth and impact
Field (mathematics · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Noise Effects and Management · Psychology · Social Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health
Fifty Shades of Green
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy
An Investigation of the Status of Outdoor Play
A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences
Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities
Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing
Nature Contact and Human Health
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Physical Activity and Public Health
The Portrayal of Natural Environment in the Evolution of the Ecological Public Health Paradigm
Screening for Park Access during a Primary Care Social Determinants Screen
Use of Multiple Methods
| Unique citing works | 5 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 5 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |