Humans have always been drawn to, dependent on, and fascinated by the natural world. Biophilia, which literally translates to “love of life,” is the idea that this fascination and communion with nature stem from an innate, biologically-driven need to interact with other forms of life such as animals and plants.
What Is Biophilia? (Plain Language Explanation)
Biophilia refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Biophilia
- Symptoms: The specific ways biophilia shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen biophilia
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When biophilia occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Biophilia
- Biophilia is far more common than most people realize
- Biophilia is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with biophilia see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about biophilia is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing biophilia, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.