Natural environments and adolescent depression: A literature review

Abstract

With the acceleration of global urbanization, humanity’s disconnection from natural ecosystems has deepened, leading to a concurrent rise in adolescent “nature deficit disorder” and depression risk. In this context, explorations of the impact of natural environments on adolescent depression and the potential of such environments as sites of intervention have provided critical breakthroughs for alleviating the global adolescent mental health crisis. This study employs a literature review methodology to comprehensively synthesize empirical research and theoretical findings on the relationship between the natural environment and adolescent depression. It identifies the core, mediating, and moderating factors that influence this relationship while elucidating its theoretical foundations. On this basis, the study proposes improvement strategies and future research directions. By integrating existing findings, this study not only clarifies the core patterns linking the natural environment and adolescent depression but also provides a clear framework for the subsequent exploration of mechanisms and intervention practices. It aims to promote the standardized application of natural environments within adolescent mental health protection systems, thereby contributing to the sustainable improvement of global adolescent mental health levels.

Keywords: Natural environments; Nature-based interventions; Adolescents; Depression; Mechanisms

Core Tip: Nature-based interventions, in the context of global urbanization, are a new approach for preventing and alleviating adolescent depression. However, there are, notably, both opportunities and challenges in obtaining a systematic understanding of their mechanisms and applying them effectively. To mobilize the full potential of the natural environment and truly empower adolescent mental health, it is necessary to obtain a clear understanding of the core influencing factors and to comprehensively explore the standardized integration of nature into mental health protection systems.