Studies on nature’s mental health benefits show ‘massive’ western bias

Research focuses on rich, white populations, while indigenous peoples may have different views of nature

Spending time in the great outdoors is good for your mental health, according to a growing body of research. For example, getting out and about in forests and parks has been shown to increase happiness and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. But are the benefits universal?

A review paper notes that most studies in this field look at rich, white, western populations, and scientists say this results in an incomplete picture of the health benefits.