Contact with nature and youth well-being: Insights from natural and urban contexts

Abstract

Nature connectedness, which refers to the subjective sense of one's relationship with the natural world, is a multidimensional construct encompassing emotional, cognitive, and experiential ties, closely linked to personal and collective well-being. Strengthening this connection, especially among children and young people, requires active involvement in the places where they live and act. This article reviews evidence on two main areas: (1) immersive and regenerative experiences in natural contexts, and (2) nature contact in urban contexts. Across both domains, participatory methods, such as Youth Participatory Action Research and Photovoice, emerge as a transversal approach that transforms individual experiences into shared responsibilities, fostering ecological citizenship, community belonging, and sustainable, locally rooted relationships with nature.

Keywords: Community engagement; Natural environments; Nature connectedness; Participatory methods; Urban green spaces; Youth well-being.