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Nature and Depression
, 2
Introduction
Among the many people who suffer from depression, young adults are particularly at risk
for the debilitating effects of this mental illness. There has been a concerning uptick in the
prevalence of depression among young adults recently, and the World Health Organisation
reports that it is the leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2019). While pharmacological
therapies are still an essential component of treatment for depression, there is a rising interest in
investigating complementary and alternative treatments, such as spending time in nature, to ease
symptoms.
We hypothesize that young adults' mental health improves when they spend time in
natural settings and that this, in turn, may lessen the intensity of symptoms related to diseases
like depression. This study aims to highlight the current areas of knowledge that require
additional exploration and provide a detailed examination of relevant literature. It also delves
into the causes that led to the choice to conduct this research. A comprehensive description of the
research's methodology, including steps for participant selection, data collection, and analysis,
will also be included in the study.
Literature Review
An extensive examination of the literature uncovers numerous research that provide
substantial evidence for the therapeutic advantages of exposure to nature on mental health.
Kaplan & Kaplan's 1989 Attention Restoration Theory postulates that spending time in natural
settings might help people refuel their brains, focus better, and feel less mentally exhausted
Nature and Depression
, 2
Introduction
Among the many people who suffer from depression, young adults are particularly at risk
for the debilitating effects of this mental illness. There has been a concerning uptick in the
prevalence of depression among young adults recently, and the World Health Organisation
reports that it is the leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2019). While pharmacological
therapies are still an essential component of treatment for depression, there is a rising interest in
investigating complementary and alternative treatments, such as spending time in nature, to ease
symptoms.
We hypothesize that young adults' mental health improves when they spend time in
natural settings and that this, in turn, may lessen the intensity of symptoms related to diseases
like depression. This study aims to highlight the current areas of knowledge that require
additional exploration and provide a detailed examination of relevant literature. It also delves
into the causes that led to the choice to conduct this research. A comprehensive description of the
research's methodology, including steps for participant selection, data collection, and analysis,
will also be included in the study.
Literature Review
An extensive examination of the literature uncovers numerous research that provide
substantial evidence for the therapeutic advantages of exposure to nature on mental health.
Kaplan & Kaplan's 1989 Attention Restoration Theory postulates that spending time in natural
settings might help people refuel their brains, focus better, and feel less mentally exhausted
