Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a biomedical condition associated with exposure to man-made radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. Common sources are devices like mobile phones, wireless networks, base stations, computers, TVs, and more. Identifying individuals at risk of developing EHS is important. Those with heightened sensory processing sensitivity (SPS; the ability to perceive, process, and react to environmental stimuli, approximately 25% to 30% of the population) are of special interest. SPS could also be associated with connectedness to nature (CNS) and EHS. In the current gender-matched cross-sectional study (n = 450; 225 men and 225 women) we assessed gender differences in environmental sensitivity assessed as SPS, EHS, and CNS. Women had higher general EHS prevalence than men (13.3% vs. 5.3%), higher mean values on perceived sensitivity for 5 out of 9 categories of electromagnetic equipment (computers, electrical appliances, fluorescent lighting, mobile phones, and television) and they had higher scores on the three EHS Scales EHS General, EHS Scale, and EHS Index, in addition to higher SPS and CNS scores. The gender differences vanished when adjusting for SPS in the multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) analyses, suggesting that the differences in these scales were associated with SPS. The statistical equation modeling (SEM) results showed a significant positive direct effect of SPS on CNS, and a significant indirect effect mediated by EHS. The present study provides the first empirical evidence that highly sensitive individuals are capable of perceiving electromagnetic radiation. The results indicate that perceived EHS and CNS are driven by SPS and not by gender. Key Words: Electromagnetic hypersensitivity—Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields—Connectedness to nature—Environmental sensitivity—Sensory processing sensitivity—Highly sensitive person scale— Ecology—Environmental psychology

Integrative Eco Art Therapy (IEAT) is a humanistic and eco-centric approach to restoring and cultivating healthy attachments between humans and the natural world. IEAT employs the frameworks of art therapy, eco art therapy, integrative trauma-informed psychology, and the sciences, to provide individually centered healing that is informed by the principles of Interbeing, reciprocity, and cooperation. This article presents both a theoretical framework for IEAT and an in-depth case study of IEAT with a young adult with complex trauma and maladaptive daydreaming disorder. A distinct link was observed between the creation of art in or with Nature within an IEAT framework, and the improvement of this individual’s executive functioning, integration of traumatic experience, and establishment of more secure attachments. Through integrative didactic engagement, experientially gained insight, artmaking in which Nature serves as metaphor, material, or setting, IEAT can restore and repair some of the fractured attachments humans have to themselves, other people, and the natural world.

Mental health difficulties are highly prevalent and costly, and mental health services are often overwhelmed. Brief and cost-effective interventions are needed to help improve mental well-being. We aimed to test the effect of a nature-based guided imagery (GI) and a nature-based meditation (NBM) on mental well-being and a range of clinically relevant measures over a 2-week period, including three time points. The community sample included 40 individuals (mean age = 38.63, standard deviation = 12.99; gender = 11 males, 28 females, and 1 responded as “nonbinary”). Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to either the GI or the NBM. Participants were given one audio file to listen to (either GI or NBM), both of which were ∼20 minutes in duration. Similar to previous work, we found evidence for increases in well-being and nature connection immediately following the GI. The results suggest that both the GI and NBM are likely to be effective in improving mental well-being. There were statistically significant increases in well-being, self-compassion, and mindfulness, as well as decreases in rumination, negative affect, and depressive symptoms. There was also evidence for clinically meaningful improvements in depressive symptoms and well-being. This experimental study provides preliminary evidence to support the development of nature-based interventions to improve well-being. Further research is needed to test this in larger and clinical samples, either as an adjunct to therapy or as self-help for those with mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused large shifts in our way of life and requires individuals globally to modify their behavior in ways that benefit their health and the health of others. Meanwhile, the climate crisis continues to unfold, with evermore direct threats to human well-being—making behavioral mitigation strategies increasingly pertinent. Yet still, there are concerning differences in the degree to which individuals are engaging the behavioral strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus and the worsening climate crisis. In this pilot study, we sought to better understand the psychological pathways to health-related proenvironmental and COVID-19 mitigation behaviors. We explored the relationship between these behaviors and the possible predictor of internal locus of control (LOC)—the sense of agency and power one feels they have to act on effective mitigation strategies. We surveyed 422 adults regarding their environmental and COVID-19-related conceptions of personal power to act effectively, as well as their proenvironmental behavior (e.g., reducing meat consumption, air travel, and fast fashion consumption) and COVID-19-related health behaviors (e.g., hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing). In addition, we assessed demographic variables including age, race, gender, political orientation, and indicators of socioeconomic status. Multiple regression analyses revealed that control beliefs involving an internal LOC were a predictor of protective health-related behaviors. We discuss the possibility of individual-level interventions and the broader societal need to create conditions in which individuals can develop an empowered sense of control over their actions related to their health.

This article presents an integrated theoretical framework to study the socioenvironmental attributes of the nature experience as a basic health behavior. After first reviewing existing literature on theories behind nature exposure, we discuss social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain individual nature experience through the model's triadic dynamic of environment, cognitions, and behaviors. We then expand beyond SCT's focus on the individual to examine structural and societal spheres of influence on nature experience found in ecological systems theory and ecosocial theory. In moving from proximal to distal influences, we identify the core constructs of each theory that may reinforce or deter decisions inclining individuals toward nature engagement. In synthesizing aspects of these three theories, we propose an integrated theoretical framework of nature experience distinguished by three ideas. First, individual-level formative influences in nature pervade higher level ecologies as a learned social behavior. Second, nature experience happens within multiple systems and timepoints. Third, social relationships within historical processes shape contextual factors of the nature experience, resulting in disparities in nature access and nature responses that manifest heterogeneously. Theorizing behind nature experience can inform why this occurs. We offer suggestions for further research to build on the groundwork put forth here: for hypothesizing around present observations, for collecting data to confirm and/or refute parts of the theory, and for further hypothesis generation inspired by the theory to inform the research agenda. In conclusion, we consider the practical implications of theory underlying nature experience as a health behavior relevant to research, interventions, and policy.

This narrative shares a collection of stories drawing on my explorations in clinical psychology, Buddhist wisdom, and immersive experiences in nature. The embrace of the natural world, which welcomes us back into the web of life unconditionally, has been my greatest teacher in authentic self-compassion. Years of meditation training have helped foster a greater receptivity within me to the rhythms and cycles of nature, which embody an intrinsic sense of belonging and equanimity with all of life. My relationship with nature has helped heal my relationship with my own mind. These stories represent pivotal guideposts along a journey toward feeling more at home in myself and in the world.

A strong connection with nature promotes behaviors that help conserve the natural world. However, it is likely that this relationship is reciprocal, with proconservation behaviors positively impacting nature connectedness by increasing sensory contact with nature. Proconservation behaviors vary in terms of how much visible biodiversity, and therefore contact with nature, they produce. It is likely that conservation behaviors that support higher visible biodiversity will result in more sensory contact with nature and, therefore, greater levels of nature connectedness. This research explores the relationship between garden-focused pronature conservation behavior, noticing nature and nature connectedness using data from Natural England's People and Nature Survey in the United Kingdom (n = 4206), a large national survey that includes items to measure noticing nature, nature connectedness, and pronature conservation behaviors. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that undertaking garden-based pronature conservation behaviors that enhance visible biodiversity leads to an increase in noticing nature, which, in turn, leads to an increase in nature connectedness. These results point to a relatively simple way to boost nature connectedness: boost and engage people with visible biodiversity.

Numerous studies have shown a positive impact of nature on psychological restoration and on well-being, which, in turn, are related to life satisfaction. Previous studies were place based or episode assessments, usually in the field. Here, we studied bird-watchers at different levels of their recreational specialization, especially the factor commitment. We applied a leisure activity-related questionnaire to assess psychological restorativeness. We analyzed responses from 388 bird-watchers (260 male, 127 female, 1 diverse) from an internet survey. Three factors emerged and were labeled as restoration, detachment, and experiencing freedom. We here show for the first time that the psychological restorativeness of a leisure activity is dependent on the recreational specialization level. Psychological commitment toward birding was related to all three factors. Thus, birders do not need to have a high knowledge or must do many birding trips, but rather birding needs to be important to their life. This, in turn, suggests that even beginners in bird-watching with low expertise may gain health benefits from their leisure activity.

Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to natural environments is associated with more positive body image, but mechanistic pathways are not fully understood. In this study, we tested one such indirect pathway involving positive rational acceptance (PRA) (i.e., an adaptive body image coping strategy). A total of 401 participants from the United Kingdom completed measures of nature exposure, PRA, and body appreciation (i.e., a facet of positive body image). Correlational analyses indicated positive, although weak-to-moderate, associations between all three constructs. Mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that PRA mediates the association between nature exposure and body appreciation. These findings were robust in the total sample, as well as in women (n = 200) and men (n = 197) separately. These results highlight the potential benefit of nature exposure in terms of promoting adaptive body image coping strategies, which in turn are associated with more positive body image.

Turfgrass lawns are a central component of urban ecosystems around the world. Whether public or private, lawns provide a place for human recreation and relaxation along with ecological benefits such as water filtration and urban heat mitigation. However, lawns are critiqued for their use of inputs (e.g., water and fertilizer), as well as the perceived lack of biodiversity. Although some have called for the replacement of turfgrass lawns with lower-input more diverse landscapes, residents generally like lawns, and in some cases want more of it. Therefore, there is an opportunity to view urban lawns as spaces for new nature-based learning approaches to re-engage individuals with nature near them. This study presents a brief review of how we can think of urban lawns as social-ecological systems alongside opportunities for nature-based learning centered on the urban lawn. Formal and informal educational opportunities can help expand individual knowledge of and connection to lawns as well as potentially impact how individuals manage lawns in the future more sustainably. Vegetation and policy interventions need to accompany educational opportunities to afford space for changes to occur without being constrained by existing systems.