In one of his most regarded book ‘Biophilia’ published in 1984, American biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the ‘biophilia hypothesis’ which proposed that humans possess an intrinsic tendency to seek out natural stimuli and connections to other forms of life. He suggested that our psychology is deeply rooted in the natural environment and we feel a strong and innate emotion connection to nature.

The Science behind the Biophilia Hypothesis

Since the release of Wilson’s book, scientists have sought to confirm what the biophilia hypothesis posited, and results have come back positive: nature brings about desirable benefits for mankind; it makes us happier, healthier and more creative! For starters, levels of cortisol, a stress hormone in our bodies, have been found to decrease after 15 minutes of contact with nature. Further, exposure to nature for a time period of 45 minutes or more has the capability to improve one’s cognitive performance. In a study involving Singaporean secondary school students, a positive correlation between connectedness to nature and innovation, as well as holistic development was discovered!

What happens then if one has diminished connections to nature? Head to the next tab to find out more!

 

(Up next: Nature Deficit Disorder)