Beyond The Roundtable
Links to the Research Behind the Discussion
Coventry, P. A., et al. (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM – Population Health, 16, 100934. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 50 studies examining structured outdoor activities in natural environments. The findings showed benefits for several mental-health outcomes, including reduced depressive mood and anxiety, increased positive affect, and decreased negative affect.
Shuda, Q., Bougoulias, M. E., & Kass, R. (2020). Effect of nature exposure on perceived and physiologic stress: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 53, 102514.
A systematic review examining both perceived stress and physiological measures of stress. Nature exposure was associated with reductions in self-reported stress as well as several physiological indicators of the stress response.
Gelkopf, M., Hasson-Ohayon, I., Bikman, M., & Kravetz, S. (2013). Nature adventure rehabilitation for combat-related posttraumatic chronic stress disorder: A randomized control trial. Psychiatry Research, 209(3), 485–493 A controlled study examining a year-long nature and adventure rehabilitation program for veterans with combat-related PTSD. Participants showed improvements in PTSD symptoms, functioning, emotional and social quality of life, hope, and perceived control over their symptoms.
Bettmann, J. E., Speelman, E., Blumenthal, E., Couch, S., & McArthur, T. (2024). How Does Nature Exposure Affect Adults With Symptoms of Mental Illness? A Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 33(6), 1889–1907 A meta-analysis examining the effects of nature exposure among adults experiencing symptoms of mental illness. The findings showed significant benefits across mental-health outcomes, including depression, stress, mood, quality of life, and overall mental health.
Littman, A. J., Bratman, G. N., Lehavot, K., et al. (2021). Nature versus urban hiking for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: A pilot randomised trial conducted in the Pacific Northwest USA. BMJ Open, 11(9), e051885
A pilot randomized trial involving veterans with PTSD who participated in either group nature hikes or urban hikes over 12 weeks. PTSD symptom scores improved more among participants in the nature-hiking group, supporting further study of how nature, physical activity, and social connection may contribute to veteran well-being.
Gettings, R. D., Kirtley, J., Wilson-Menzfeld, G., Oxburgh, G. E., Farrell, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2022). Exploring the Role of Social Connection in Interventions With Military Veterans Diagnosed With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Systematic Narrative Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 873885 A systematic review examining social connection, loneliness, and isolation among veterans with PTSD. The review identified peer support, social reintegration, group cohesion, trust, purpose, community, and learning new skills as important themes that may help reduce isolation and support recovery.
Blais, R. K., Tirone, V., Orlowska, D., et al. (2021). Self-reported PTSD symptoms and social support in U.S. military service members and veterans: A meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1851078
A meta-analysis of 38 samples involving more than 18,000 U.S. service members and veterans. Lower levels of social support were associated with greater PTSD symptom severity, highlighting the important relationship between social connection and mental health following military service.
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