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Nature, genetics and the biophilia connection: Exploring linkages with social work values and practice
Abstract
Social work's notion of environment and its environmental responsibilities have always been narrowly defined. The profession has tended to either neglect natural environmental issues or accept shallow ecological conceptualizations of nature as something other, quite separate from the human enterprise and/or outside the reach of social work activity. The Biophilia Hypothesis, first articulated by then Harvard evolutionary biologist E. O. Wilson in 1984, offers social work an fundamentally different view of the person/environment construct and argues for a primary shift in the way the profession views its relationship with the natural world. This article traces the conceptual development of Biophilia theory and reviews pivotal empirical evidence explicitly arguing for the
... The attachment to Nature and natural settings has developed in human genetics as a result of this long evolutionary process. As a theory grounded in genetics, biophilia assumes that people living in contact with Nature think more creatively, are friendlier, more cooperative, and less sad (Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003;Gullone, 2000 (Gullone, 2000). Throughout human evolution, green spaces, vegetation, and water were closely associated with the necessities of life (Ulrich, 1993, in Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003. ...
... As a theory grounded in genetics, biophilia assumes that people living in contact with Nature think more creatively, are friendlier, more cooperative, and less sad (Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003;Gullone, 2000 (Gullone, 2000). Throughout human evolution, green spaces, vegetation, and water were closely associated with the necessities of life (Ulrich, 1993, in Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003. ...
... Molung Educational Frontier Volume 15 January 2025 interventions contribute to stress reduction, restoring the ability to do mental and physical work, tranquillizing the human mind, restoring wellness, and maintaining good health (Chavaly & Naachimuthu, 2020). Among other benefits of short-term exposure to Nature include -shortened hospital stay, balanced blood pressure, balanced cholesterol level, heart rate and blood sugar level; relaxation of muscles; positive emotions; improved overall mental health (Austin, 2006), improvement in mood; increased memory and cognitive performance (Berman et al., 2012), a stronger immune system; the reduced prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases, improved self-esteem, mood improvement, perceived mental and physical health, physiological and psychological relaxation, (Chavaly & Naachimuthu, 2020), speedy recovery from health problems (Thompson, 2018), increased alpha waves in the brain, pain management, and reduced mortality (Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003). ...
The human connection with Nature is rooted in a symbiotic relationship that fosters harmony and balance. Humans have an innate need to be in contact with Nature, relying on it for essential resources such as food, shelter, medicines, and overall well-being. In return, it is the responsibility of humans to become stewards and caretakers of Nature. This reciprocal relationship between living beings and the non-living environment is captured by the concept of biophilia. In social work, biophilia is emerging as a promising approach to mental health practice. This article aims to explore the significance of biophilic health and healing practices in mental and physical well-being. We established inclusion and exclusion criteria and systematically searched for articles in databases published between 2010–2022. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria and were used for in-depth analysis. The findings highlight that nature-based health and healing practices effectively address a range of mental and physical health challenges. These approaches also promote equity and justice within healthcare systems, particularly benefiting Indigenous populations worldwide. Integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices—such as nature-based interventions, green therapy, and traditional healing methods—into social work education can better prepare students to collaborate with Indigenous communities and individuals from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds across all areas of social work practice.
... Plants, with their calming presence, diverse forms, and ability to evoke positive emotions, offer a unique avenue for exploring how nature can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Studies have shown that interacting with plants can have profound effects on mental health, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, and increased feelings of well-being and satisfaction (Besthorn & Saleebey 2003) [2] . Whether through gardening, indoor plant cultivation, or simply spending time in green environments, individuals can experience a sense of connection and restoration that contributes to overall psychological resilience. ...
... Plants, with their calming presence, diverse forms, and ability to evoke positive emotions, offer a unique avenue for exploring how nature can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Studies have shown that interacting with plants can have profound effects on mental health, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, and increased feelings of well-being and satisfaction (Besthorn & Saleebey 2003) [2] . Whether through gardening, indoor plant cultivation, or simply spending time in green environments, individuals can experience a sense of connection and restoration that contributes to overall psychological resilience. ...
... For these authors, human intervention is both the cause of these problems and the solution to prevent and restore the balance of the ecosystem we have damaged. Based on a humanitarian framework, Besthorn and Saleebey (2018), working with a post-human ethical framework, proposes that caring for the people of the Earth also means caring for the planet. For Ramsay and Boddy (2017), Environmental Social Work must focus on "helping humanity create and maintain a biodiverse planetary ecosystem which includes humans" (p. ...
The crisis of civilization we are experiencing unbalances the inter-relational, interdependency and intergenerational relationships of the planetary ecosystem, putting all species at risk. The current relationship between the unlimited economic development model and its social impacts in all regions, territories and communities is analyzed. These are more severe in the global South and the most impoverished populations, which often leads to conflicts, the deterioration of subsystems of life, and, as a result, movements of people. These challenges highlight the close interrelationship between social justice and issues of ecological injustice acting as a new source of inequality. The responsibility of social work, which is called on to incorporate the ecosocial perspective in all its areas and dimensions of practice, is becoming consolidated. To achieve this, five measures are proposed: expanding and strengthening the ethical and political basis of the profession; promoting the skilling-emancipatory models; cutting across all levels, methodologies and action areas; new fields of practice for ecosocial work; and introduction into social work curriculums. Social justice cannot be fully achieved without taking ecological justice into account.
... Social work professionals in Malawi are working with individuals and communities that are experiencing food insecurity and economic distress due to climate change-related crises such as FAW infestation in maize crops. Similar to the global level, social work practitioners in Malawi have limited climate change-related knowledge because the social work profession and training have been ambivalent to the natural environment (Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003). Hence, green social workers are advocating for social work educators to incorporate environmental issues to equip students to practice with individuals, families, and communities that are affected by climate-related shocks (Dominelli, 2012). ...
In Malawi, fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize crops is a problem of public importance as it reduces maize yields and exacerbates household food insecurity. In addition to pest resistance, the use of synthetic pesticides to control FAW negatively affects the health of farmers and the environment. Biochemical pesticides from plants contain naturally non-toxic chemotypes and are effective in controlling pests. Tephrosia vogelii plants contain these bioactive phytocompounds that have pesticidal properties. Geographical location and plant species influence the occurrence of phytocompounds in Tephrosia vogelii. Farmers in Sub Sahara-Africa are using Tephrosia vogelii as a pesticide but there are mixed research findings regarding its effectiveness in controlling FAW pests. This study was informed by developmental and Green Social Work frameworks to compare the effectiveness of Tephrosia vogelii leaves extracts, Belt 480 SC, and soap solution in controlling FAW in maize gardens. The study employed a randomized complete block design with four replication gardens and was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. A social work field education student was assigned to coordinate the project. The study affirmed that the sampled Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts contained pesticidal chemotypes. The results of field gardens suggest that Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts have similar potency to Belt SC 480 chemical pesticide. It has been identified that Boom detergent soap is not as effective as Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts. The study has social work field education implications for empowering practicum students to gain community mobilization skillsets, to participate in environmental justice advocacy, and to uphold social work values.
... A deep connection with nature infuses life with meaning and strengthens religious beliefs [14]. Furthermore, Biophilia promotes ethics by recognizing the freedom and dignity of all species, given their mutual interdependence in the biosphere [42,51]. − Topophilia: As an extension of BET, Kellert and Calabrese [19] introduced the Topophilia Hypothesis to broaden the emotional dimension of Biophilia from individuals to communities. ...
In response to socio-ecological challenges, cities around the world are implementing greenification and urban forestry. While these strategies contribute to reducing the ecological footprint, they often overlook various social implications. This explains the increasing global attention to Biophilia, which emphasizes human–nature interaction to enhance the quality of urban life. Despite its historical roots spanning centuries, Biophilia is still considered an emerging research field, as shown by debate on evidence-based research and measurement of its multidimensional impacts. Although the beneficial effects of Biophilic Design (BD) are well documented thanks to the small-scale and immediate outcomes, the long-term potential of Biophilic Urbanism (BU) offers less evidence, limiting its utilization and investment. This paper provides a comprehensive theoretical-practical framework on Biophilia, BD, and BU through a 60-year systematic literature review based on a three-metric approach (quality, quantity, and application). Investigating concepts and practices, we delve into biophilic effects on humans and urban livability, analyze tools to measure them, and explore methods to translate them into the built environment. In spite of the growing body of studies and advancements in the last decade, our review findings highlight the need for further insights, especially regarding BU. The study aims to promote Biophilia Upscaling as a strategy to maximize its direct and indirect benefits across urban scales, thereby promoting BU and expediting a paradigm shift in city planning. In metropolises conceived as bioregional systems, where nature plays a key role in ensuring ecological services and citizens’ well-being, BU can assist designers, planners, and city makers in addressing the urban agenda toward higher environmental and social standards.
... Mitten (2009) claimed that the wilderness is so obvious and blatant in the work of outdoor practitioners that it has become hidden. The wilderness has often been used as the backdrop to programming as a vehicle to achieve emotional and cognitive goals in participants (Besthorn & Saleebey, 2003;Mitten, 2009). The "black box phenomena" describes the inability to truly understand the critical elements of a constructive program (Parchem, 1975). ...
Bölüm 1
EVSIZLIĞI SONLANDIRMAK: DÜNYADA VE TÜRKIYE’DEKI
SOSYAL POLITIKA VE SOSYAL HIZMET UYGULAMALARININ
KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Yasin AKYILDIZ.................................................................................. 1
Bölüm 2
KADIN YOĞUN MESLEKLERDE CAM ASANSÖR: SOSYAL
HİZMET ÖRNEĞİ ÜZERİNDEN BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Emine ATAMAN ................................................................................ 33
Şeniz ASLAN ....................................................................................................33
Bölüm 3
EKOLOJİK/YEŞİL/ SOSYAL ÇALIŞMA VE AFETLER
METİN ZAFER................................................................................... 49
Bölüm 4
TÜRKIYE’DE SOSYAL HIZMET EĞITIMI VE SOSYAL HIZMET
BÖLÜMLERI
Adem KALEBAŞI................................................................................ 63
Bölüm 5
AKTIF YAŞLANMA POLITIKALARI BAĞLAMINDA
TAZELENME ÜNIVERSITELERI VE SOSYAL HIZMETIN ROLÜ
Habibullah AKINCI............................................................................ 81
Bölüm 6
BİYOPSİKOSOSYOTİNSEL VE EKOSİSTEM YAKLAŞIMLARI
BAĞLAMINDA YAŞLILIKTA SOSYALLEŞME
Şeyda DEMİR.....................................................................................95
This research aims to explore the role of nature therapy guides in successfully leading nature-based experiences and, through that effort, allowing their clients to achieve their mental health and well-being goals. Understanding the role a nature therapy guide plays can, in turn, aid policymakers, individuals and communities in promoting positive mental health and well-being outcomes, supporting conservation efforts, and improving access to nature experiences. Here a nature therapy guide is defined as a trained professional who helps individuals or groups connect with nature to promote mental health and well-being. Nature therapy guides may have a variety of backgrounds, including naturalists, ecologists, psychologists, or healthcare professionals, with most of which completing some form of nature therapy qualification. Nature therapy guides may work in a variety of settings, such as parks, forests, beaches, or gardens, and may tailor their approach to different populations, such as children, adults, or seniors. They may also incorporate elements of ecotherapy, which emphasises the connection between human well-being and the health of the natural environment. To this end, this research answers two interrelated research questions. Firstly what motivations have guides found that bring the general public (i.e., clients) to them and, in turn,
The study presented in this paper investigated the impact of embodied and self-reflected virtual reality (VR) experiences on engineering design students' cognition and perception of nature-relatedness during the early conceptual design phase. Results showed that students who explored the design environment as a bird (embodied) or human (self) avatar were significantly more likely to explore a larger design space indicated by more semantically unique design concepts compared to students without the VR experience. Network graphs of the syntactic connection of design concepts revealed notable differences among the three groups. The bird avatar group showed more connections to nature-related and social concepts, while more technical concepts were central for the human avatar group, and concepts about money were more central to the control group. Finally, students who embodied the bird avatar had a significantly stronger perception of connection to nature compared to the human avatar and control group, with a small to medium effect size. The results suggest that embodied (as a bird) and self-reflected (as a human) VR experiences can enhance engineering students' design thinking and perception of connection to nature.
This article broadens and clarifies the way sodal work conceptualizes its ecological/system constructs and the professional commitments that flow from them. It utilizes important insight from a contemporary, radical environmental philosophy-ecofeminism-to search for language and descriptions that may help the profession begin the process of formulating and depicting an expanded ecological model of practice. This article sketches the essential philosophical premises of a revisioned ecological model and offers suggestions for interpreting and applying this model. Specifcally, it gives attention to critiquing the interrelated oppression stemming from modem economic theory and practice, and ways in which social workers may collaborate with communities and individuals to bring about change.