British psychologists from the University of Southampton conducted a study on the influence of the natural environment on human mental health. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JPSP) published findings that showed new positive effects of being in the wild on mental health. This is reported by gazeta.ru.

Particular attention in the study was paid to authenticity - a person’s sense of his true self. This feeling involves awareness of one's feelings, beliefs and desires, as well as behavior in accordance with one's own values and needs, honesty and sincerity.

The researchers conducted a series of 12 studies that included online surveys and practical exercises. Participants in the experiments answered questions about their attitude to nature and their worldview, and also described their feelings from being in the urban environment, in parks and outside the city.

As a result of research, it was found that the connection between nature and a person’s sense of self is mediated by several mechanisms. Staying outside the city improves self-esteem and mindfulness, and also gives a person confidence in their abilities, reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression.

It's worth noting that this association was consistent across different demographic groups, regardless of age, gender, and socioeconomic status.