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Nature-Based Interventions for Individuals with Psychiatric Disorders: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review with
Alessandra Giammanco1,2, Erin Grace Lawrence3, Ailbhe Madigan4
1Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Nature-based interventions (NBIs) show significant clinical improvements for psychiatric disorders. These outdoor activities enhance psychological wellbeing and social connection, offering promising adjuncts to standard mental health care.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Environmental Psychology
- Psychiatric Care
Background:
- Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are increasingly integrated into mental health services.
- Evidence on their effectiveness and patient experience in psychiatric populations is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence on the effectiveness and experience of NBIs in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
- To explore the potential of NBIs as recovery-oriented adjuncts in psychiatric care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 eligible studies evaluating outdoor NBIs.
- Quantitative outcomes synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis.
- Qualitative data analyzed using thematic synthesis.
Main Results:
- NBIs demonstrated greater improvements in clinical symptoms compared to controlled interventions (pooled effect size 0.71, p = 0.0009).
- Qualitative synthesis revealed themes of personal growth, psychological wellbeing, social connection, and physical benefits.
- Participants reported reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced coping mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- NBIs, especially horticultural programs and guided outdoor activities, show promise as adjuncts to psychiatric care.
- Further research is needed to harmonize outcomes and develop scalable delivery models for routine mental health services.
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