Nature deficit disorder

Nature-deficit disorder is the idea that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors than they have in the past, and the belief that this change results in a wide range of behavioral problems.

Though studies on the impact of natural environments, particularly the concept of urban green space, on mental and physical wellbeing often show supporting claims.

[15] One review suggested that nature-deficit disorder may have an increased impact on these communities, although there has been inadequate research to determine any such effects conclusively.

The coalition claims the problem of nature-deficit disorder could be helped by "igniting student's interest in the outdoors" and encouraging them to explore the natural world in their own lives.

[18] In Colombia, OpEPA (Organización para la Educación y Protección Ambiental)[19] has been working to increase time spent outdoors since 1998.

She attributes the problems described by nature-deficit disorder as coming not from a lack of children outside or in nature, but from adults' own "psyche and dysfunctional cultural practices".

According to Dickinson, "in the absence of deeper cultural examination and alternative practices, nature deficit disorder is a misdiagnosis—a problematic contemporary environmental discourse that can obscure and mistreat the problem."