Mechanisms underpinning flourishing at the interface of humans and other natural entities: an umbrella review.
The review emphasizes the need for stronger empirical evidence to support mechanisms of ecological-collective-flourishing, particularly regarding psychological pathways.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the glutathione (gsh) corpusSummary and findings
This umbrella review examined mechanisms of ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing) at the interface of human and non-human natural entities. Nine eligible systematic reviews were identified, focusing on various psychological, social, physical, and environmental pathways. The review highlighted the need for stronger empirical evidence and rigorous study designs.
Abstract
Ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing) describes the interconnected flourishing of human and non-human natural entities. Despite existing conceptual frameworks, translation into practice remains inadequate owing to insufficient synthesis of empirically tested mechanisms driving change across human and ecological systems. We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews examining mechanisms at the e-co-flourishing interface. Searches of seven databases and four grey literature sources identified nine eligible reviews. Evidence supported several cross-domain mechanisms, including psychological (eg, attention restoration and reduced stress), social (eg, cohesion and contact), physical (eg, activity), and environmental pathways (eg, reduced stressors and enhanced environmental quality). Psychological mechanisms showed the most consistent support, whereas evidence for other mechanism domains was mixed. Evidence for causality was weak and largely derived from cross-sectional and qualitative studies, and no reviews examined reciprocal mechanisms influencing both human and non-human flourishing. Future research should prioritise rigorous designs, theory-driven testing, and replication to strengthen evidence for equitable and sustainable e-co-flourishing pathways.
Background
This paper addresses the concept of ecological-collective-flourishing (e-co-flourishing), which refers to the interconnected flourishing of human and non-human entities. Prior frameworks have outlined potential mechanisms but lacked empirical synthesis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for translating theory into practical applications for enhancing both human and ecological well-being.
Methods
An umbrella review was conducted, analyzing systematic reviews on e-co-flourishing mechanisms. The review included nine eligible reviews identified through searches of seven databases and four grey literature sources. The focus was on various domains including psychological, social, physical, and environmental pathways.
Results
The review found that psychological mechanisms had the most consistent support among the examined reviews. Evidence for causality was described as weak and primarily derived from cross-sectional and qualitative studies. Mixed evidence was reported for other mechanism domains, with no reviews addressing reciprocal influences on flourishing.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while psychological mechanisms are well-supported, the overall evidence for causality remains limited, which is a significant concern for practical applications. The reliance on cross-sectional and qualitative studies raises questions about the robustness of the conclusions drawn. This implies that practitioners should be cautious in applying these findings without further rigorous research.
Key findings
- Nine eligible reviews identified from seven databases and four grey literature sources.
- Psychological mechanisms showed the most consistent support.
- Evidence for causality was weak and largely derived from cross-sectional and qualitative studies.
- No reviews examined reciprocal mechanisms influencing both human and non-human flourishing.
Limitations
- Weak evidence for causality.
- Largely derived from cross-sectional and qualitative studies.
- No reviews examined reciprocal mechanisms.
- Mixed evidence for non-psychological mechanism domains.