Nature in the indoor and outdoor study environment and secondary and tertiary education students’ well-being, academic outcomes, and possible mediating pathways: A systematic review with recommendations for science and practice

• Published in: Health & place 2020-11, Vol.66, p.102403-102403, Article 102403
• Main Authors: van den Bogerd, Nicole, Coosje Dijkstra, S., Koole, Sander L., Seidell, Jacob C., de Vries, Ralph, Maas, Jolanda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic performance; Education; Health technology assessment; Nature-based intervention; Students; Wellbeing
• ISSN: 1353-8292; 1873-2054
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102403

This study reviews the evidence on the effects of nature in the study environment on well-being, academic outcomes, and outcomes related to possible explanatory pathways among students in secondary and tertiary education. The protocol was preregistered at Prospero (CRD42019126718). A systematic search of two databases yielded 3410 articles, of which 37 studies were included in the review. Most studies had a high risk of bias and there were heterogeneous outcome and exposure measures. Hence, no firm conclusions could be drawn. However, potentially promising leads were found on the associations between campus green space and improved quality of life, perceived restoration, lower outdoor temperature, and between indoor nature and improved indoor climate. •The effects of nature in the study environment were systematically reviewed.•Most studies focused on campus green space and indoor nature.•There is limited evidence for the effects of nature in the study environment.•Evidence can be strengthened by more longitudinal and real-life intervention research.