Turismo basado en la naturaleza y salud mental: una revisión de alcance

Rafael Alexander  Rivas Carmona; Jerry Javier  Armijos Gaona; Rosa Marianela  De Los Dolores Salamea Nieto

doi:10.59169/pentaciencias.v8i4.1924

Authors

Rafael Alexander Rivas Carmona Universidad Técnica de Machala https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2204-9067
Jerry Javier Armijos Gaona Universidad Técnica de Machala https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1927-760X
Rosa Marianela De Los Dolores Salamea Nieto Universidad Técnica de Machala https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2614-7062

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59169/pentaciencias.v8i4.1924

Keywords:

nature-based tourism; mental health; scoping review; psychological well-being; PRISMA-ScR

Abstract

Nature-based tourism has emerged as a potentially valuable non-pharmacological intervention for mental health, in a context of growing disconnection from the natural environment and a high global burden of depression, anxiety, and stress. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the effects and benefits of nature-based tourism (nature tourism or nature-based adventure) on the mental health of people who participate in these activities. The Joanna Briggs Institute framework for scoping reviews was followed, with reporting according to the corresponding guideline. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched, yielding 164 records; after removing 33 duplicates and conducting title/abstract screening and full-text review, 16 empirical studies were included. The results showed short-term reductions in depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms, along with improvements in psychological well-being and restorative experiences, although long-term effects appeared to require more frequent interventions. Gaps were identified in Latin American contexts, longitudinal designs, and the integration of ancestral knowledge. These findings support nature-based tourism as a complementary public health strategy and point to priorities for future research.

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