Adolescents’ and young adults’ connection to nature may boost mental well-being, promote pro-environmental behaviors, and enhance social connectednessNature connectedness refers to an individual’s personal connection or relationship with nature. Nature connectedness is increasingly recognized for its potential to support mental health and social well-being. For example, experiences in nature have been shown to foster interpersonal connection, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging. Such benefits of nature connectedness may be especially important during adolescence and early adulthood; however, these developmental stages remain underexplored. To clarify the existing evidence, this systematic review synthesized recent empirical studies that examined nature connectedness in adolescents and young adults (age 11–26). The review focused on exploring the relationships between nature connectedness and mental health, pro-environmental behavior, and social cohesion. The review also investigated the influence of technology on adolescents' and young adults' connection with nature.
A search of several academic databases was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles, published in English, that examined the physical, mental, or emotional health outcomes related to adolescents’ and young adults’ (age 11-26) connection to nature. Studies using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research designs were eligible for inclusion. The search yielded a total of 63 articles, published between 2008 and 2024, which were included in the review. Half of the studies were published during the COVID-19 pandemic (2022–2024) and had not been examined in previous literature reviews. The studies’ research designs were predominantly quantitative (67%), and to a lesser extent qualitative (17%) and mixed methods (16%). The studies were mainly conducted in the U.S. and commonly involved urban or rural youth, often from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged populations. Some studies compared populations from different countries or focused on migrant populations. Sixty percent of the studies concentrated on adolescents, while 40% focused on young adults. Findings across studies were synthesized using thematic analysis.
Results revealed four central themes: 1) <em>connection to nature and mental well-being</em>; 2) <em>pro-environmental behavior, sustainability and connection to nature</em>; 3) <em>role of technology in connection to nature</em>; and 4) <em>social connectedness through connection to nature</em>. Within the theme <em>connecting with nature and mental well-being</em>, connection with nature was linked to improved emotional regulation, stress recovery, and self-esteem. Although there were some mixed findings, the majority of studies revealed a consistent pattern where a stronger connection with nature was related to decreased stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic symptoms, as well as improved mood, vitality, and life satisfaction. These findings emerged from a variety of studies that examined a range of settings, including nature-based interventions, everyday exposure to green spaces, and viewing images of nature. The theme <em>pro-environmental behavior, sustainability and nature connectedness</em> focused on findings related to environmental concern, ecological identity, and nature-based activism. Studies consistently reported that adolescents and young adults with a stronger sense of connectedness to nature were more likely to demonstrate awareness of and concern for the environment, and to engage in actions to protect the environment. While studies suggested that various mechanisms may influence this relationship, overall findings within this theme call attention to the role of nature connectedness as a “motivational force for ecological behavior.” Findings also highlight the importance of engagement with nature in early childhood and culturally responsive and emotionally engaging nature experiences as key to the development of pro-environmental dispositions. The theme <em>role of technology in connection to nature </em>reflects recent research that examined the influence of digital technology on connection with nature. Overall, higher screen times were linked to lower nature connectedness. However, some research revealed a nuanced relationship that suggests time in nature may help mitigate excessive technology use. Further, some studies indicated that innovative uses of technology can enhance environmental concern and connection with nature. Finally, the theme <em>social connectedness through connection to nature</em> highlighted findings related to relationship development and experiences of social inclusion in nature. Studies reported that experiences in nature, and especially urban green spaces, fostered social connectedness and a sense of belonging. Overall findings indicated that “nature experiences appear to act as catalysts for social cohesion, promoting integration, mutual understanding, and social support, even among young people from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic contexts.” Importantly, findings across the themes revealed gender and culture-based differences. For instance, some results suggest that the benefits of nature connectedness were stronger for girls than for boys.
The review calls attention to the benefits of connecting with nature for adolescents’ and young adults’ mental well-being, pro-environmental behaviors, and social connectedness. The authors conclude that these benefits are likely interconnected in that “nature connectedness appears to act as a developmental nexus that links psychological, social, and ecological processes.” Importantly, findings suggest that connecting with nature can be used to support both individual and social well-being. Social outcomes, such as intercultural bonding and community cohesion, may be particularly beneficial for migrant youth, although more research focused on immigrant and refugee populations is needed. Findings also suggest that time in nature may reduce excessively screen-focused behaviors, and that creative uses of technology may be used to strengthen connection with nature. Studies included in the review were predominantly conducted in high-income Western countries, which limits the generalizability of findings.
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