Nature-based expressive arts therapy in supporting emotion regulation: a scoping review

Abstract

This scoping review explored how Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy (NbEAT), an emerging integrative approach, supports emotion regulation across diverse populations and settings. The study followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping review (PCC) and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Twenty-three included sources were synthesized. The findings indicated (1) the diversity of terminology describing integrative interventions between nature and creative arts modalities, including NbEAT and related approaches; (2) the theoretical foundations informed by restoration theories, ecotherapy approaches, psychotherapy, and neuroscience-informed perspectives; (3) the direct and indirect methods to integrate nature with the creative processes; (4) the application of the intervention across populations with difficulties from health conditions, eco-social-economical living contexts in (5) clinical and non-clinical settings with various levels of spatial openness; (6) the therapeutic mechanisms involving sensory-bodily engagement, symbolic/metaphoric meaning-making, and relational interaction which contribute to emotion regulation process and positive emotional outcomes. The findings also highlighted the predominant representation of Western perspectives, suggesting a need for further cross-cultural research and deeper exploration of integrative approaches involving nature and expressive arts modalities.