Table 1

Characteristics of included sources

CharacteristicNumber (%)
Source type 
Published article in peer-reviewed journal193 (96)
Doctoral thesis6 (3)
Report or book2 (1)
Study design 
Experimental57 (28)
Observational68 (34)
Qualitative32 (16)
Mixed Methods21 (10.5)
Case Study4 (2)
Review (systematic or narrative)17 (8.5)
Other2 (1)
Outcome Category 
Anxiety17 (8.5)
Depression11 (5.4)
Both26 (13)
Other (mood, well-being, stress, quality of life, self-esteem)147 (73.1)
Age 
Child OR an age range that is younger than 14–24 but overlaps with it OR adolescents70 (35)
14–24 years OR within this age band OR students OR young people44 (22)
Adult OR an age range that is older than 14–24 but overlaps with it55 (27)
Children AND adults32 (16)
Ethnicity 
Unspecified198 (98.5)
African American2 (1)
Latino1 (0.5)
Target population 
General188 (94)
Anxiety AND/OR depression13 (6)
Exposure/Intervention 
Urban green space41 (20)
Exposure/contact/touching materials from nature40 (19.5)
Forest/woodland25 (12)
Camp/day trip21 (10.5)
Other outdoor physical activity (e.g. rock climbing)18 (9)
Outdoor walking16 (7.5)
Adventure therapy8 (3.5)
Contact with domesticated animals5 (2.5)
Other5 (2.5)
Farms4 (2)
Community gardens4 (2)
Urban agriculture4 (2)
Connection with nature4 (2)
Blue spaces4 (2)
Outdoor running3 (1.5)
Private gardens2 (1)
Outdoor employment1 (0.5)

Note:

N=201

or Create an Account

Close subscription notice
Close access options