Over the years there have been numerous studies highlighting the benefits of exposure to nature for our mental wellbeing. Research from the University of Vermont broadly confirms such findings, but suggests that these benefits may not be as universal as we previously thought.

The researchers analyzed 174 studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 and found that most of the beneficiaries of time in nature were white. Indeed, 95% of the studies took place in high-income Western nations, with fewer than 4% taking place in medium-income countries and none at all in low-income countries.

“This field has great potential to address urgent issues—from the global mental health crisis to sustainability efforts worldwide—but to do so, we must better reflect the diversity of world’s populations, cultures and values,” the researchers explain.

False conclusions

The researchers were inspired by previous concerns that universal conclusions are often drawn from studies involving fairly homogenous groups, and especially consisting of so-called WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic) participants. With most people living in “non-WEIRD” nations, it’s clear that a better approach is required.

As such, while the researchers somewhat expected a WEIRD bias in the results, they also found that the sample populations were overwhelmingly white.

“We hope our study is a wake-up call for this promising field that sparks positive change,” they explain. “A more inclusive and diverse field that embraces the research needs of the global community—and the full spectrum of ways that humans interact with the non-human world—will ultimately be more impactful.”

AS well as studying via geography and ethnicity, the researchers also examined studies via a cultural lens. They found that most seemed to conceptualize the relationship between us and nature in a very individualistic and extractive way. There was minimal focus on things like responsibility and reciprocity, which tend to be more common in non-Western cultures.

They hope that their work sheds light on the need to include more diverse communities in research and to have a much greater diversity of participants so that researchers can draw more representative conclusions from their work.

“We need all cultures working together to tackle the global emergencies we face,” the authors conclude. “That requires understanding what’s universal about the human-nature relationship, and what is culturally specific. Those insights are critical to driving social change, and require research to be more inclusive. We need all hands on deck.”