Harnessing the healing powers of nature: Green space and well‐being in the research

Though not a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐5‐TR , the term “nature‐deficit disorder” has been around since Richard Louv (2005) published his book The last child in the woods (page 36). The term is self‐descriptive, referring to notably decreased time humans spend out in nature than in previous generations, causing detriment to well‐being such as “higher rates of physical and emotional illness”(Louv, 2005). It was a term derived both from Louv's personal experiences and observations and from existing research. Much of his cited research looked at the issue of nature‐deficit disorder from the opposite perspective, demonstrating a relationship between increased time in nature and improved physical and mental health.