Psychological mechanisms and moderators of a complex relationship between biodiversity, mental health, and well-being

Man-made environmental pollution and the exploitation of resources such as deforestation are major reasons for the decline in biodiversity. At the same time, humans are dependent on a biologically diverse and healthy environment in many ways, as it provides access to clean water, air, and food. The loss of biodiversity therefore represents an ecological crisis that also poses an existential threat to human health. Apart from this, humans have an unbroken interest in “nature” and its positive effects on their own well-being. However, little is known about the causal effect of biodiversity on mental health. Research into the relationships between biodiversity, human mental health, and well-being and the underlying psychological mechanisms are key objectives of the BIOWELL project.

Behavioral experiments, interviews, and questionnaires will be used to investigate the effect of biodiversity in different habitats, for example in forests, city parks, or open-air laboratories, on the well-being of children, young people, and adults. Which plant species do children like and which do they not? Do adults prefer forests with a wide variety of species or do they prefer monocultures? Can a species-rich “wild” forest also trigger negative emotions? These and other questions are being answered in close cooperation with the Botanical School at the Botanical Garden in Leipzig. The findings of this project are to be incorporated into the work with children and young people. The aim is to encourage their interest in the importance of biodiversity and their motivation to protect it.