Högskolan i Skövde

A growing body of research suggests that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress, this notion comes at a critical time, given the increasing prevalence of stress-related problems especially in young adults, emphasizing the pressing need for effective approaches that can offer recovery and restoration. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence from studies using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the impact of nature exposure on physiological stress levels in this population. A literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Scopus databases for studies published up to February 2024. Studies were included if they involved direct exposure to natural environments, measured stress indicators using fNIRS or EEG, and had participants aged 18-28 years old or a mean age of 20-24. Five studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 195 participants among the studies. The included studies exposed participants to various natural settings, including forests, grasslands, and areas with water features, and compared physiological responses to urban environments. The findings across all included studies show significant stress-reducing effects of different natural environments, in young adults. This underscores the promise of nature-based interventions as affordable and accessible resources to enhance mental well-being in this age group.