| Description |
The positive effects of natural environments on mental health have been observed and studied for decades. Specifically, psychology research from across the world has provided evidence that being immersed in nature has positive effects for those suffering from depression, although there is uncertainty about the mechanisms behind this relationship. Scott et al. (2021) proposed that cognitive restoration and stress recovery in nature are indications of stimulation of the vagus nerve. Applying Scott et al.'s (2021) argument to research on nature and depression, this paper argues that activation of the vagus nerve is part of the mechanism by which nature exposure decreases depression. Research on the direct relationship between being in nature and vagal tone in individuals with depression is needed in order to determine if this relationship exists. In an increasingly globalized world, it is vital that this research includes participants and researchers who are from different cultural backgrounds in order to determine that this interaction is present across humans from diverse backgrounds and what socio-cultural influences are not understood currently. Further, this research can not only be applied in the mental health field, but it can also be used in environmental advocacy. |
