Journal article
Old lessons for new science: how sacred-tree metaphors can inform studies of the public-health benefits of the natural environment
Heliyon, v 10(15), e35111
Aug 2024
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Many studies have identified an association between exposure to the natural environment and improved public-health outcomes. However, much of this observational work lacks a theoretical foundation, so we look to the humanities for a stronger basis for green-health research, examining how trees have been used as religious metaphors and symbols for health and wellbeing. In particular, the tree of life, sacred trees, and other religious symbols provide a promising theoretical basis for green-health research. Based on this review, we propose the value of incorporating attributes such as vegetation species and size in exposure metrics, and considering the interactions between exposure attributes (e.g., species) and individual attributes (e.g., culture).
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Details
- Title
- Old lessons for new science: how sacred-tree metaphors can inform studies of the public-health benefits of the natural environment
- Creators
- Geoffrey H. Donovan - USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Portland, OR 97205, USAMonika Derrien - USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Seattle, WA, USAKendra Wendel - USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Portland, OR 97205, USAYvonne L. Michael - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Heliyon, v 10(15), e35111
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
Andrew Shanks provided invaluable input on early drafts of this paper.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001284494000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85199553397
- Other Identifier
- 991021894657104721
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health