Nature deficit disorder, a term coined by Richard Louv in his book "Last Child in the Woods," refers to the negative consequences that can result from not spending enough time in nature, particularly for children. With increased screen time and a decrease in opportunities for outdoor play, many children today are not getting enough exposure to nature. This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased physical and mental health, decreased social skills, and decreased creativity and problem-solving abilities.
In this article, we will explore the concept of nature deficit disorder in more detail, discussing the ways in which it can impact children and offering evidence-based strategies for combating this phenomenon.
Physical consequences of nature deficit disorder: Spending time in nature has numerous physical benefits for children, including increased cardiovascular fitness, improved immune function, and improved sleep quality and duration. When children do not get enough exposure to nature, they may miss out on these benefits. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that children who spent more time in nature had lower levels of stress hormones and higher levels of physical activity (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).
Another study published in the journal Health & Place found that children who lived in areas with more green space had lower rates of obesity compared to children who lived in areas with less green space (Mitchell, Popham, & Beale, 2008).
Mental consequences of nature deficit disorder: Nature has a calming effect on the mind and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When children do not get enough exposure to nature, they may be more prone to stress and anxiety, and may have difficulty concentrating and focusing. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that children who spent more time in nature had improved attention and memory compared to children who spent less time in nature (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008). Another study published in the journal Ecopsychology found that exposure to nature improved problem-solving abilities in children (Taylor, Kuo, & Sullivan, 2001).
Emotional consequences of nature deficit disorder: Nature has been shown to have numerous emotional benefits for children, including improved mood and overall well-being. When children do not get enough exposure to nature, they may be more prone to negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. In a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers found that children who spent more time in nature had improved self-esteem and self-reported well-being compared to children who spent less time in nature (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).
Nature also provides numerous opportunities for social interactions and building relationships, which can help to improve social skills and self-esteem. When children do not have access to these opportunities, they may be more isolated and have lower self-esteem.
How to combat nature deficit disorder: If you are concerned that your children may be experiencing nature deficit disorder, there are a number of evidence-based strategies you can use to help them get more exposure to nature:
Plan outdoor activities: Make an effort to plan outdoor activities, such as hikes, picnics, and trips to local parks or nature reserves. In a study published in the journal Environmental Education Research, researchers found that children who participated in nature-based educational programs had improved environmental attitudes and behaviors (Ward Thompson, Roe, Aspinall, & Roe, 2012).
Encourage unstructured play: Allow your children to have unstructured playtime outside, where they can explore and play in the natural environment. In a study published in the journal Environmental Education Research, researchers found that unstructured play in nature was associated with improved creativity and problem-solving abilities in children (Grahn & Stigsdotter, 2010).
Create a nature-friendly space: Consider creating a nature-friendly space in your own backyard or at a nearby park. This could include a garden, a bird feeder, or a small pond. In a study published in the journal Environmental Education Research, researchers found that children who had access to nature in their own backyard had increased nature knowledge and attitudes compared to children who did not have access to nature in their own backyard (Bixler & Floyd, 2011).
Educate yourself and your children about nature: Take the time to learn about the natural world and share this knowledge with your children. This can help to foster a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature. In a study published in the journal Environmental Education Research, researchers found that children who had a strong connection to nature had increased environmental knowledge and behaviors compared to children who had a weaker connection to nature (Krasny, 2013).
Nature deficit disorder is a serious concern that can have negative consequences for children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By taking steps to increase your children's exposure to nature, you can help to mitigate these negative consequences and promote their overall health and well-being.