Nature and psychological wellbeing: Outdoor mindfulness experiences

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Gaspare Palmieri
Publishing Year 2025 Issue 2025/3
Language Italian Pages 31 P. 43-73 File size 776 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2025-003004
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This article presents and discuss evidence and reflections regarding how the contact with the natural environment can provide psychological benefits, particularly in reducing stress, with positive effects also on mood, anxiety levels, and subjective wellbeing. Immersive experiences in nature aimed at improving psychophysical wellbeing originated in Japan in the 1980s, under the name “ forest bathing” (shinrinyoku). In the 1990s, ecopsychology emerged in California, a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between the environment and the mind, and how the external context can affect the individual’s inner world. More recently, formal guidelines have been developing around “ forest therapy,” consisting of clinical protocols for exposure to nature that may have therapeutic value in conditions such as bronchial asthma, cardiovascular disorders, as well as stressrelated and mental health disorders. The article begins by describing these approaches and then focuses on outdoor mindfulness practices developed by the author. Mindfulness is a form of meditation rooted in Eastern contemplative traditions, now widely supported by scientific evidence for its effectiveness in reducing stress and treating various psychiatric conditions. Although mindfulness is typically practiced indoors, its use in natural environments is growing, where sensory awareness may be more easily cultivated. The article describes specific outdoor mindfulness practices, including examples of experiences with nonclinical groups and with a group of minors diagnosed with ADHD and their families.

Keywords: mindfulness, awareness, nature, forest bathing, forest therapy, environmental psychology.

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Gaspare Palmieri, Natura e benessere psicologico: esperienze di mindfulness outdoor in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 3/2025, pp 43-73, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2025-003004