Nature and Youth Mental Health: Pathways, Practices and Community-Based Approaches

Nature is increasingly recognized as a valuable resource for supporting mental health and well-being, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This population is especially vulnerable to psychological distress due to rapid emotional, cognitive, and social transitions. While growing evidence shows that contact with natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance resilience, nature remains underutilized in youth mental health strategies.

This Research Topic aims to explore how both direct and indirect experiences with nature contribute to mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention for young people, by gathering interdisciplinary contributions that examine the role of nature connectedness and nature-based practices in fostering psychological well-being. In particular, we welcome submissions that highlight the importance of community—not only as a setting where interventions occur, but as an active agent that provides support, social resources, and opportunities for meaningful engagement with nature. In addition, we acknowledge the growing influence of digital technologies in shaping how young people relate to nature, maintain community participation, and support their well-being, creating new opportunities for nature-based practices mediated or enhanced by digital tools. We are especially interested in studies that consider diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts and that address both opportunities and barriers to implementing nature-based approaches within youth mental health systems.

This Research Topic encourages contributions from psychiatry, public health, education, psychology, environmental science, and community development. We welcome a variety of manuscript types, including empirical studies, conceptual papers, case studies, and policy-oriented contributions. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Nature-based interventions in clinical or community settings;
- The role of community in sustaining youth–nature relationships;
- Environmental justice and access to green spaces;
- Culturally sensitive approaches to nature connectedness;
- Benefits of everyday nature experiences for adolescents and young adults;
- Technology-mediated nature experiences and community engagement.

By bringing together theory, practice, and community-based perspectives, this Research Topic seeks to advance knowledge on how nature can be a protective and empowering factor in the mental health and development of today’s youth.