An Analytical Reading of the Therapeutic Foundations of Natural Environments and Their Impact on Mental Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65405/9nc4f953Keywords:
Plant Psychology, Ecotherapy, Mental Health, Biodiversity, Attention Restoration, Sustainable Development, Urban Green SpaceAbstract
While the bond between the natural world and the human mind has long been recognized, it has recently come under rigorous scientific scrutiny with promising results. This paper explores the synergetic relationship between the biological characteristics of plants and the therapeutic dimensions of mental health, framed within a strategic vision for sustainable Quality of Life. Utilizing a thematic analysis of literature published between 2015 and 2025, the study reviews the concept of Ecotherapy — broadly defined as the therapeutic use of nature-based experiences — and the impact of green and blue spaces on psychological well-being.
The analysis reveals three core pillars. First, the eco-structural dimension, which illustrates how biodiversity and vegetation density — grounded in Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) — mitigate cognitive fatigue. Second, the affective-psychological dimension, which examines the multi-sensory pathways through which plant environments regulate mood, ranging from neuroendocrine responses to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the calming visual effect of greenery. Third, the therapeutic-sustainable dimension, which positions ecotherapy within urban planning and public health policies as a low-cost, scalable intervention.
The paper concludes that Plant Psychology represents a burgeoning field with significant implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and 11). However, it highlights critical research gaps, specifically the scarcity of data in low-income and Arabic-speaking countries, and the lack of standardised protocols for measuring therapeutic exposure doses.
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