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Chapter 34 - Nature and Pets

from Part IV - Wellness Interventions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2020

By
Vinathe Sharma-Brymer ,
Katherine Dashper  and
Eric Brymer
Edited by
Waguih William IsHak
Waguih William IsHak
Affiliation:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
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Summary

In recent years, research has shown that nature and pets have a profound impact on positive wellness outcomes and lifestyle behaviors. In this chapter, we provide evidence for the importance of nature and pets, otherwise referred to as companion animals, in facilitating human wellness, and point to the implications of this evidence for the development of policy and practice initiatives. Specifically, we argue that nature and pets have important roles in the initiation and enhancement of wellness lifestyle habits and outcomes across multiple wellness domains. Evidence indicates that interacting with nature and pets positively influences emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical, occupational, and social wellness [1]. Viewing pictures and videos of nature, being active in the presence of nature, and immersive experiences in nature have proven to have resulted in enhanced levels of wellness.

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Chapter
Information
The Handbook of Wellness Medicine , pp. 413 - 422
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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References

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