EXPOSURE TO NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS

• Main Author: Ileana-Loredana Vitalia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editura Universitatii din Pitesti 2020-12-01
• Series: Current Trends in Natural Sciences
• Subjects: connection with others; mental health; nature
• Online Access: https://natsci.upit.ro/media/2077/026vitalia.pdf

Evidence suggests that social isolation and loneliness have became major problems in many countries around the world. Given the numerous physical, mental health problems and economic negative consequences associated with social isolation and loneliness, there is a greater interest for the development of more complex and holistic health strategies to help prevent or mitigate social isolation and loneliness. Natural environment is increasingly recognized as an important component of these strategies. Outdoor natural space (in the form of greenspace, such of parks and street trees, and bluespace, such as rivers and oceans) can reduce the effects of stressors while facilitating social connections, especially emotionally close ties or the sense of community belonging. The present article will consider the results of previous academic studies to discuss the concepts of social isolation and loneliness, the connections between them, and their effects on physical and mental health. This theoretical framework will be used to support the effectiveness of nature-based health interventions for the prevention or the treatment of poor mental health associated with social isolation and loneliness.