An exploration of the psychologically restorative qualities of the natural world

This qualitative study explores the psychologically restorative qualities to be found in the natural world. The literature regarding human beings' relationship to nature is reviewed. In particular, research that relates to the following themes is emphasized: attention restoration theory; restorative environments; stress mitigation and recovery; landscape preference; aesthetic and affective responses to nature; self-regulation and place attachment; and the relationship between public health concerns and the natural environment.;Seven adult participants were interviewed for this study. These persons were recruited on the basis of the following criteria: they each valued time spent in the natural world, considered their relationship with nature to be an important part of their lives, and were able to articulate the meaning of their relationships to nature. Participants were asked general questions about their connections with the natural world, why they deem these connections valuable and important, and whether or not they experience nature as serving a restorative function in their lives. Follow-up questions examined the dynamics surrounding these restorative qualities reported by the participants.;The data was analyzed thematically and yielded the following results. Participants' experiences of the natural world brought a sense of balance and relief from the stressors of everyday life. These encounters with nature also provided a sense of belonging and connection with the broader world. Participants experienced a sense of awe and wonder in nature, which included both an awareness of nature as beyond persons' control and a source of spiritual questioning. Many participants understood their connection with nature as a central need in their lives. And finally, many of the participants described their experiences of the natural world as having components that were beyond their abilities to describe with words.;Clinical implications include both a need for mental health professionals to attend to the context of persons' relationships with nature and the importance of utilizing the natural world in order to mitigate stress. Areas suggested for future research include the exploration of persons' affective and intuitive experiences of the natural world.