Methodological strengths and weaknesses of nature based intervention: a systematic review

There is growing interdisciplinary interest in the potential for 'nature-based interventions' (NBIs) to foster physical, social, cognitive, and emotional well-being in children. This review aims to identify the methodological strengths and weaknesses of NBIs and analyze the various activities conducted in NBIs that enhance developmental domains in children. The systematic search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Taylor and Francis, and Google Scholar from inception to the present. Children aged 4-12 without health or developmental conditions were eligible to participate in the review. Out of 5168 studies, 12 quantitative studies were selected with an overall sample size of (N = 2,444) inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two authors independently performed the literature search, record screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of each included systematic review. The risk of bias in the systematic reviews was assessed using a well-established modified McMaster Critical Review Form for quantitative studies. Due to the heterogeneity of activities delivered in interventions and measurements, there is a lack of evidence to draw firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness of NBIs. Despite the need to overcome some challenges and knowledge gaps, the studies consistently suggest that NBIs profoundly affect children's socio-emotional, physical, and cognitive domains.