נפש בריאה בסביבה בריאה: תרומת הטבע לבריאות נפשית וגופנית

The following article presents the body of knowledge and research in the field of environmental psychology– a psychological field of study and practice that focuses on the relationships between humans and the physical environment - natural, and built. The article opens with a general description of the world of environmental psychology, which is followed with a research review on the ways contact with the natural environment contributes to mental and physical health. Interaction with the natural environment can occur in various ways, from venturing to remote places, to visiting urban nature close to home. Contact with nature can also occur through viewing green landscapes from home windows, and even through pictures. The health benefits of contact with nature are diverse and include both momentary mental well-being during the encounter with nature and a general sense of subjective mental well-being and physical health. These are related to proximity to green spaces and frequent visits to them over time. The article presents key research findings on the subject, theoretical explanations, and possible applications.