The Role of Nature-Based Experiences in the Development and Maintenance of Wellness (original) (raw)
Related papers
International Journal of Wellbeing, 2015
From the increasing number of people living in urban areas to the continued degradation of the natural environment, many of us appear to be physically and psychologically disconnected from nature. We consider the theoretical explanations and present evidence for why this state of affairs might result in suboptimal levels of hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing by reviewing the large body of research on the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. The advantages of contact with nature as a potential wellbeing intervention are discussed, and examples of how this research is being applied to reconnect individuals to nature and improve wellbeing are given. We conclude by considering the limitations of, and proposing future directions for, research in this area. Overall, evidence suggests that connecting with nature is one path to flourishing in life.
International Journal of Wellbeing, 2015
From the increasing number of people living in urban areas to the continued degradation of the natural environment, many of us appear to be physically and psychologically disconnected from nature. We consider the theoretical explanations and present evidence for why this state of affairs might result in suboptimal levels of hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing by reviewing the large body of research on the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. The advantages of contact with nature as a potential wellbeing intervention are discussed, and examples of how this research is being applied to reconnect individuals to nature and improve wellbeing are given. We conclude by considering the limitations of, and proposing future directions for, research in this area. Overall, evidence suggests that connecting with nature is one path to flourishing in life. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.1
Toward a Theory of Nature Experience and Health
Ecopsychology
This article presents an integrated theoretical framework to study the socioenvironmental attributes of the nature experience as a basic health behavior. After first reviewing existing literature on theories behind nature exposure, we discuss social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain individual nature experience through the model's triadic dynamic of environment, cognitions, and behaviors. We then expand beyond SCT's focus on the individual to examine structural and societal spheres of influence on nature experience found in ecological systems theory and ecosocial theory. In moving from proximal to distal influences, we identify the core constructs of each theory that may reinforce or deter decisions inclining individuals toward nature engagement. In synthesizing aspects of these three theories, we propose an integrated theoretical framework of nature experience distinguished by three ideas. First, individual-level formative influences in nature pervade higher level ecologies as a learned social behavior. Second, nature experience happens within multiple systems and timepoints. Third, social relationships within historical processes shape contextual factors of the nature experience, resulting in disparities in nature access and nature responses that manifest heterogeneously. Theorizing behind nature experience can inform why this occurs. We offer suggestions for further research to build on the groundwork put forth here: for hypothesizing around present observations, for collecting data to confirm and/or refute parts of the theory, and for further hypothesis generation inspired by the theory to inform the research agenda. In conclusion, we consider the practical implications of theory underlying nature experience as a health behavior relevant to research, interventions, and policy.
Humans and Nature: How Knowing and Experiencing Nature Affect Well-Being
Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 2013
Ecosystems provide many of the material building blocks for human well-being. Although quantification and appreciation of such contributions have rapidly grown, our dependence upon cultural connections to nature deserves more attention. We synthesize multidisciplinary peerreviewed research on contributions of nature or ecosystems to human well-being mediated through nontangible connections (such as culture). We characterize these connections on the basis of the channels through which such connections arise (i.e., knowing, perceiving, interacting with, and living within) and the components of human well-being they affect (e.g., physical, mental and spiritual health, inspiration, identity). We found enormous variation in the methods used, quantity of research, and generalizability of the literature. The effects of nature on mental and physical health have been rigorously demonstrated, whereas other effects (e.g., on learning) are theorized but seldom demonstrated. The balance of evidence indicates conclusively that knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people. More fully characterizing our intangible connections with nature will help shape decisions that benefit people and the ecosystems on which we depend.
Health Promotion International, 2005
Whilst urban-dwelling individuals who seek out parks and gardens appear to intuitively understand the personal health and well-being benefits arising from 'contact with nature', public health strategies are yet to maximize the untapped resource nature provides, including the benefits of nature contact as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations. This paper presents a summary of empirical, theoretical and anecdotal evidence drawn from a literature review of the human health benefits of contact with nature. Initial findings indicate that nature plays a vital role in human health and well-being, and that parks and nature reserves play a significant role by providing access to nature for individuals. Implications suggest contact with nature may provide an effective population-wide strategy in prevention of mental ill health, with potential application for sub-populations, communities and individuals at higher risk of ill health. Recommendations include further investigation of 'contact with nature' in population health, and examination of the benefits of nature-based interventions. To maximize use of 'contact with nature' in the health promotion of populations, collaborative strategies between researchers and primary health, social services, urban planning and environmental management sectors are required. This approach offers not only an augmentation of existing health promotion and prevention activities, but provides the basis for a socio-ecological approach to public health that incorporates environmental sustainability.
Nature’s Meanings for Psychological Well-Being
2016
The present article makes an introduction for an interdisciplinary theme: the connection between well-being and nature. This theme will be explored starting from highlighting the importance of the concept of well-being in the health and illness models, and the transition it allows from an atomist point of view to a holistic approach. Results of previous academic studies will help understand that, by examining the effects of natural environment on several aspects of psychological and psychosomatic functioning, a holistic approach would become possible. Results of public data will be discussed as a way of expanding the explanation framework. Also a theoretical framework will be presented so that all these would have a meaning for practitioners. Finally, acknowledging the fact that the environments ’ benefits have been known and consciously used for human growth in several aspects, as in yoga or martial arts, some recent application will be discussed such as those in psychotherapy (nat...
Annual Review of Public Health, 2014
Urbanization, resource exploitation, and lifestyle changes have diminished possibilities for human contact with nature in urbanized societies. Concern about the loss has helped motivate research on the health benefits of contact with nature. Reviewing that research here, we focus on nature as represented by aspects of the physical environment relevant to planning, design, and policy measures that serve broad segments of urbanized societies. We discuss difficulties in defining "nature" and reasons for the current expansion of the research field, and we assess available reviews. We then consider research on pathways between nature and health involving air quality, physical activity, social cohesion, and stress reduction. Finally, we discuss methodological issues and priorities for future research. The extant research does describe an array of benefits of contact with nature, and evidence regarding some benefits is strong; however, some findings indicate caution is needed in applying beliefs about those benefits, and substantial gaps in knowledge remain. 207 Annu. Rev. Public. Health. 2014.35:207-228. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org by University of Washington on 03/24/14. For personal use only.
SLU, Department of People and Society, 2021
Nature and human health-Principles for providing healing and restorative environment around healthcare settings Division of Landscape Architecture Approved students' theses at SLU are published electronically. As a student, you have the copyright to your own work and need to approve the electronic publishing. If you check the box for YES, the full text (pdf file) and metadata will be visible and searchable online. If you check the box for NO, only the metadata and the abstract will be visible and searchable online. Nevertheless, when the document is uploaded it will still be archived as a digital file. If you are more than one author you all need to agree on a decision. Read about SLU's publishing agreement here: https://www.slu.se/en/subweb/library/publishand-analyse/register-and-publish/agreement-for-publishing/. ☒ YES, I/we hereby give permission to publish the present thesis in accordance with the SLU agreement regarding the transfer of the right to publish a work. ☐ NO, I/we do not give permission to publish the present work. The work will still be archived and its metadata and abstract will be visible and searchable. Publishing and archiving Outdoor environment is one of the most important factors in a person's physical, mental and emotional development. This thesis concerns the opportunities within landscape architecture to promote the development of the outdoors as a resource for health and well-being in healthcare settings. The overall aim is to describe the main principles of providing a restorative outdoor environment around healthcare settings. Natural environments (Natural elements in outdoor environments) meet these criteria for a successful restorative environment. As such, benefits of integrating natural elements within healthcare settings to improve user experience and promote patient well-being. This is a theoretical review based on literature studies including research done by professionals in various fields, and interviews with persons, who have done research in these specific fieldsrestorative environments around healthcare settings. The results reflect the patient contact with the outdoors and the activities and characteristics the outdoors can and should provide, reflecting a variety of universal needs and opportunities in relation to the outdoor environment in healthcare settings This paper concludes with general quality principles as well as key qualities essential when successful restorative environments around healthcare settings are based on the user's actual needs and preferences.
Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 2020
The important role nature plays in the promotion and maintenance of people's health and wellbeing can be described as "eco-healing." Exposure to nature can contribute to the whole person on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. A synergistic relationship is established between the individual touched by the healing influence of nature who in turn can take protective action to preserve natural environments (Bakken 2018).
Moments, not minutes: The nature-wellbeing relationship
International Journal of Wellbeing
A wealth of literature has evidenced the important role that the greater-than-human natural environment plays in our mental health and wellbeing (reviews by . Spending time in nature, engaging with nature directly and indirectly, and a strong sense of nature connectedness (a psychological/emotional connection with nature) have each been shown to positively impact well-being. Few studies, however, have examined the importance that various nature-related factors have on our well-being when examined in concert with each other, and no studies have simultaneously examined the differential influences of nature connectedness and engagement. In the current study, using a national United Kingdom sample of 2,096 adults, we provide new insights into this gap in the literature. Our primary focus was on examining, when considered simultaneously, the patterns and relative predictive importance to hedonic wellbeing (i.e., happiness), eudaimonic wellbeing (i.e., worthwhile life), illbeing (i.e., depression and anxiety), and general physical health of five nature-related factors: (1) nature connectedness, (2) time in nature, (3) engagement with nature through simple everyday activities, ( ) indirect engagement with nature, and (5) knowledge and study of nature. A consistent pattern of results emerged across multiple analytical approaches (i.e., correlations, linear regression, dominance analyses, commonality analysis), wherein time in nature was not the main (or significant) predictive nature-related factor for wellbeing. Rather, nature connectedness and engaging with nature through simple activities (e.g., smelling flowers) consistently emerged as being the significant and prominent factors in predicting and explaining variance in mental health and wellbeing. Implications for practical application and policy/programme planning are discussed.
Healing with Human-Nature Interaction: Ecotherapy
XI. International Multidisciplinary Congress of Eurasia, 2020
Today, people have moved away from natural areas settling in urban areas following the advancements in technology and increasing urbanization. This has led to the decrease of the connection between people and nature as well as separation from nature. However, the fact that humans take part in the system as biological beings continues to remain true regardless of their distancing from nature. The interaction between human-nature has been at the forefront throughout history with regard to human health and vital welfare. This is explained by the biophilia hypothesis in which the love of people towards life and living things is defined as an innate tendency. Biophilia defends the opinion that nature plays an effective role in the physical and mental development of people. The concept of "ecotherapy" emerges as the therapeutic effect of biophilia. Ecotherapy is the ecosystem service provided by nature for humans within the ecological infrastructure. It is a multidimensional term that aims for psychological healing subject to the establishment of the interaction between human-nature based on the use of nature as a form of therapy in addition to contributing to physical healing. Ecotherapy is significant since it enables us to establish bidirectional interactions with nature as active and passive in addition to being an accessible method of therapy that increases our quality of life. The concepts of biophilia and ecotherapy have been defined within the concept of the present study in order to put forth the interactions between them. In addition, explanations have also been put forth regarding the proofs related with the mutual psychological and physical benefits due to the positive interaction established between humans and nature along with the contributions for the areas that enable ecotherapy.
Engaging with nature to promote health: new directions for nursing research
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2009
Title. Engaging with nature to promote health: new directions for nursing research. Aim. The aim of this paper is to offer a conceptual framework for nature‐based health promotion in nursing and provide related recommendations for future nursing research.Background. Empirical data suggest that interaction with nature has direct health benefits. When people attend to outdoor habitats, gardens and other forms of nature, they are more likely to engage in physical activity and other behaviours that improve health. Engaging with nature can even cultivate ecological sensibilities that motivate us to protect the health of our planet.Data sources. Multidisciplinary theoretical and research publications from 1985 to 2008 were examined in the development of the framework.Discussion. As the health of our planet continues to deteriorate, there is a pressing need for theoretically informed, ethical, sustainable ways of engaging with nature to promote human and environmental health. We adapt...
Wellbeing from mindful encounters with nature
Prior research has found that travel contributes to individuals’ wellbeing and relaxation. This study links the peace of mind and wellbeing that can be experienced during travel to the concept of mindfulness, which is a psychological construct that has been applied in social psychology, tourism and clinical psychology studies. In this paper, meditative mindfulness is distinguished from socio-cognitive mindfulness. In a qualitative study of 43 Taiwanese backpackers, mindfulness is found to be associated with attention to one’s surroundings, awareness of those surroundings in a non-judgmental manner, and a lack of elaboration of awareness regarding one’s surroundings. The results of this study indicate four antecedents associated with meditative mindfulness experiences. Nature-based destinations in Australia are found to trigger tourists’ attention and mindfulness for Taiwanese visitors to Australia. As a consequence, a model of meditative mindful tourist experience is proposed and the mental process of how these constructs lead to wellbeing is discussed.
Sports
Engagement with nature is an important part of many people’s lives, and the health and wellbeing benefits of nature–based activities are becoming increasingly recognised across disciplines from city planning to medicine. Despite this, urbanisation, challenges of modern life and environmental degradation are leading to a reduction in both the quantity and the quality of nature experiences. Nature–based health interventions (NBIs) can facilitate behavioural change through a somewhat structured promotion of nature–based experiences and, in doing so, promote improved physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. We conducted a Delphi expert elicitation process with 19 experts from seven countries (all named authors on this paper) to identify the different forms that such interventions take, the potential health outcomes and the target beneficiaries. In total, 27 NBIs were identified, aiming to prevent illness, promote wellbeing and treat specific physical, mental or social health an...
How Effective Connection with Nature benefits our Mental Health
The Counsel-ling Magazine, 2021
Various research has demonstrated that people who are more connected with nature (self, family, community and their natural environment) are usually more appreciative of life, more optimistic, and enjoy happier lives. They, in turn, are more appreciative of other people and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. They also talk positively about life in general. This is because nature can generate a multitude of positive emotions, such as calmness, joy and happiness, creativity and innovation, which facilitate greater concentration. Overall, connectedness with nature is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health since the person is less frustrated and thus has lower depression and anxiety levels. A major part of this connectedness is the need to live more fulfilling lives. Persons connected with nature are more likely to admire the natural environment and develop good relationships, such as planting flowers and visiting natural places. This is because they connect with life every day. This brings about a lot of benefits to mental health. There are several ways of improving our connectedness with nature. One of these is enhancing our mood in several ways, especially in our link with nature. This includes effective interaction with family and friends, colleagues and other acquaintances. Nature has a very wide definition and includes the sheer warmth from the sun, a walk in the park, planting flowers and keeping a pet. Even watching nature and animal documentaries have been proven to be good for our mental health.
Nature Therapy: Part One: Evidence for the Healing Power of Contact with Nature
Journal of Restorative Medicine
Human enjoyment of natural environmental settings is common to all cultures. It is a complex, evolutionary, psychophysiological response with notable potential to positively impact both physical and mental health of individuals and populations. Four decades of research have produced a large body of empirical and experimental studies demonstrating the benefits of contact with Nature. A sufficient evidence base now allows for meaningful systematic reviews and meta-analyses to begin to guide health recommendations. This is the first of three articles to review the state of the science on the potential health benefits of contact with Nature, covering Visual Nature, Forest Therapy, Gardening, Residential Greenspace, and Blue Space.
Why Is Nature Beneficial?: The Role of Connectedness to Nature
Environment and Behavior, 2009
Three studies examine the effects of exposure to nature on positive affect and ability to reflect on a life problem. Participants spent 15 min walking in a natural setting (Studies 1, 2, & 3), an urban setting (Study 1), or watching videos of natural and urban settings (Studies 2 & 3). In all three studies, exposure to nature increased connectedness to nature, attentional capacity, positive emotions, and ability to reflect on a life problem; these effects are more dramatic for actual nature than for virtual nature. Mediational analyses indicate that the positive effects of exposure to nature are partially mediated by increases in connectedness to nature and are not mediated by increases in attentional capacity. The discussion focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the exposure to nature/well-being effects.
International Journal of Wellbeing, 2021
A wealth of literature has evidenced the important role that the greater-than-human natural environment plays in our mental health and wellbeing (reviews by Bratman et al., 2019; Capaldi et al., 2014, 2015; Pritchard et al., 2019). Spending time in nature, engaging with nature directly and indirectly, and a strong sense of nature connectedness (a psychological/emotional connection with nature) have each been shown to positively impact well-being. Few studies, however, have examined the importance that various nature-related factors have on our well-being when examined in concert with each other, and no studies have simultaneously examined the differential influences of nature connectedness and engagement. In the current study, using a national United Kingdom sample of 2,096 adults, we provide new insights into this gap in the literature. Our primary focus was on examining, when considered simultaneously, the patterns and relative predictive importance to hedonic wellbeing (i.e., happiness), eudaimonic wellbeing (i.e., worthwhile life), illbeing (i.e., depression and anxiety), and general physical health of five nature-related factors: (1) nature connectedness, (2) time in nature, (3) engagement with nature through simple everyday activities, (4) indirect engagement with nature, and (5) knowledge and study of nature. A consistent pattern of results emerged across multiple analytical approaches (i.e., correlations, linear regression, dominance analyses, commonality analysis), wherein time in nature was not the main (or significant) predictive nature-related factor for wellbeing. Rather, nature connectedness and engaging with nature through simple activities (e.g., smelling flowers) consistently emerged as being the significant and prominent factors in predicting and explaining variance in mental health and wellbeing. Implications for practical application and policy/programme planning are discussed. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i1.1267
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Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2017
This study focuses on a particular form of positive transformation taking place in the wilderness, defined here as peak transformative experience. A large number of studies have been conducted on the negative transformative effect of a single traumatic event, while very little research has focused on positive transformational events. We addressed this lacuna by studying a unique case of quick positive transformation, taking place in nature. This study goes beyond the common description and outcome of the peak experience by focusing specifically on the process of personal transformation. Applying a phenomenological approach, 15 participants aged 28 to 70 years, who identified as having had such an experience, were interviewed. Analysis of these interviews revealed the “essence” of the peak experience in nature which led to the rapid transformation. This essence involved the recognition of formerly unknown aspects of self, projected onto nature and experienced in an embodied way, evoking an insight into a meaningful personal issue. Choosing to own these newly discovered aspects and integrate them resulted in rapid personal transformation. The findings are discussed, underscoring the centrality of nature in this process, the importance of free choice, and the potential for harnessing positive transformative peak experiences in nature for human development.
Frontiers in psychology, 2018
This research addresses the profiles of nature exposure and outdoor activities in nature among Finnish employees ( = 783). The profiles were formed on the bases of nature exposure at work and the frequency and type of outdoor activities in nature engaged in during leisure time. The profiles were investigated in relation to work engagement and burnout. The latent profile analysis identified a five-class solution as the best model: (8%), (22%), (38%), (13%), and (19%). An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted for each well-being outcome in order to evaluate how the identified profiles related to occupational well-being. Participants with a , or profile reported significantly higher work engagement in the dimensions of vigor and dedication than did the participants with a profile. The participants with the profile also reported lower burnout in the dimensions of cynicism and professional inadequacy than the participants with the profile. Nature exposure during the workday and l...
Sport, Education and Society
There have been unresolved calls for educators to connect and translate environmental links within health and physical education given the enduring absence, yet overlapping citizen priorities of health. In this Introductory paper to the Special Issue of environmental attunement in the health and/or physical education canon, we question if and how notions of nature and the environment might paradigmatically belong more centrally to the discipline. After some author positioning and situating this work, we draw on theories of attunement to consider what our use of the term 'environmental attunement' offers for shaping epistemological habits and ontological work across health studies and physical education. As part of this, we explore the possibilities and challenges for expanding embodied connections to place, space and 'nature'. We highlight the omnipresence of eco-health, environmentalism, 'nature' and Indigenous ways of knowing as central to a pressing socio-cultural context and politics, yet the absence of epistemological habits in health and physical education responding to this need. To conclude we map links and possibilities from the literature to argue for the necessity of 'environmental attunement' to more centrally underpin teachers' ecological identities in learning about health and human movement.
Springer Science Reviews, 2014
Calls for society to 'reconnect with nature' are commonplace in the scientific literature and popular environmental discourse. However, the expression is often used haphazardly without the clarity of the process involved, the practical outcomes desired, and/or the relevance to conservation. This interdisciplinary review finds that the Western disconnect from nature is central to the convergent social-ecological crises and is primarily a problem in consciousness. Connectedness with nature (CWN) is therefore defined as a stable state of consciousness comprising symbiotic cognitive, affective, and experiential traits that reflect, through consistent attitudes and behaviors, a sustained awareness of the interrelatedness between one's self and the rest of nature. CWN sits on a continuum comprising information about nature and experience in nature but is differentiated as a more holistic process for realizing transformative outcomes that serve oneself and Endorsed by Karen J. Esler.
Gastroia: Journal of Gastronomy And Travel Research, 2019
Genel olarak literatürde aktif olarak açık alanda etkinlik gerçekleştiren bireyin olumlu duygularının arttığı belirtilmektedir. Bu durum, bireylerin pozitif duygularının negatif duygulara göre kıyaslanması ile ortaya çıkmaktadır. Ancak aynı duygu durumunun etkinlik öncesi duygu durumu ile karşılaştırması yapılarak bu yargıya varılmamaktadır. Bu çalışma bu bakış açısına açıklık getirmek için yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, açık alan rekreasyon etkinliklerine katılan bireylerin pozitif ve negatif duygu durumları, etkinlik yapılmayan dönem ile yapılan dönem olarak incelendiğinde, duygu durumlarının farklılık gösterip göstermeyeceğini araştırmaktır. Ankette duygu durumları için bir ölçek ve demografik sorular yer almaktadır. Ölçek; "Pozitif ve Negatif Duygu Ölçeği" dir. Araştırma katılımcılarını açık alanda aktif olarak kendileri için bir etkinlik gerçekleştiren bireyler oluşturmaktadır. Veriler 2018 yılı Ocak-Nisan ayları arasında kolayda örnekleme tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Toplamda 233 veri değerlendirmeye alınmıştır. Araştırma sorusuna yanıt aramak için Bağımlı İki Örnek T-Testi'nden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre, pozitif duygu durumunun etkinlik yapılan dönem ve yapılmayan dönem bakımından farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Negatif duygu durumunun da etkinlik yapılan dönem ve yapılmayan dönem bakımından farklılık gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. Sonraki çalışmalar için tek bir etkinlik üzerinden veya kapalı alan etkinliklerini gerçekleştiren bireyler üzerinden duygu durumları karşılaştırılmasına gidilebilir.
Levada walks and canyoning as mountain sport products in nature tourism
European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation, 2020
Physical activities organised in nature have earned more commitment from tourists who intend to actively visit natural and authentic environments. This paper analyses the profile and the perceptions of active tourists who experienced canyoning and levada walking in the mountains of Madeira Island. The study uses a quantitative methodology analysis, based on an anonymous questionnaire designed for 160 levada walker tourists and 130 canyoning tourists. Differences were found between the two groups in terms of their profile and assessment of the two activities. The levada walking profile is the one of older, but more active tourists who stay on the island more than 6 days and intend to experience unique and memorable activities related to waterways, mountain trails and cultural landscapes in a sense of freedom and well-being that nature provides. The canyoning profile is the one of younger tourists, more male than female, who are less active, travelling by cruise, and is with an emphas...
Adventurous Physical Activity Environments: A Mainstream Intervention for Mental Health
Sports Medicine, 2016
Adventurous physical activity has traditionally been considered the pastime of a small minority of people with deviant personalities or characteristics that compel them to voluntarily take great risks purely for the sake of thrills and excitement. An unintended consequence of these traditional narratives is the relative absence of adventure activities in mainstream health and well-being discourses and in large-scale governmental health initiatives. However, recent research has demonstrated that even the most extreme adventurous physical activities are linked to enhanced psychological health and well-being outcomes. These benefits go beyond traditional 'character building' concepts and emphasize more positive frameworks that rely on the development of effective environmental design. Based on emerging research, this paper demonstrates why adventurous physical activity should be considered a mainstream intervention for positive mental health. Furthermore, the authors argue that understanding how to design environments that effectively encourage appropriate adventure should be considered a serious addition to mainstream health and wellbeing discourse.
Environmental attunement in health, sport and physical education
Sport, Education and Society, 2021
This Special Issue on environmental attunement introduces seven papers that engage with a range of different insights and practices of natureculture and embodied connections to place across health, sport and physical education. We have organised the papers into three themes that explore possibilities for: (i) notions of the environment and 'nature' in research and practice; (ii) possibilities and challenges of translating environment, sustainability and 'nature' from policy and curriculum documents into practice; and (iii) philosophical and theoretical links to emplaced and embodied learningpast-present-future. These are by no means exclusive themes and readers will recognise other patterns of theoretical and empirical possibility as well as important geographical and contextual nuances that need to be explored further. Because of this, we hope that this collection inspires further submissions via an extended call for papers that engage with the challenges and the possibilities of how we might approach the complex environmental, ecological, political and cultural factors that shape health, sport and physical education in current times.
Can mask mandates boost nature-based tourism? The role of escapism and travel anxiety
PLOS ONE
Tourism in a post-pandemic era will likely be oriented toward nature because contact with nature has restorative health benefits. The purpose of this study was to analyze the antecedents of tourists’ intentions to visit nature-based resorts during a pandemic. A nationally representative sample of the Spanish population (n = 500) was recruited by an online commercial panel to test and empirically validate the proposed conceptual framework. The findings confirmed a direct relationship between negative perceptions of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and tourists’ intentions to visit nature-based resorts. The relationship between the perceived negative effects of wearing face masks and the intention to visit nature-based resorts was positively mediated by the need for escapism. This impact was less pronounced for anxious travelers, as shown by results corroborating the moderating effect of travel anxiety. The findings of this study contribute to research on tourism crises...
Adventure recreation and subjective well-being: a conceptual framework
Leisure Studies, 2019
Despite the documented positive outcomes of adventure experiences, subjective well-being (SWB) frameworks have been largely absent from discourse and analyses in adventure studies. This conceptual paper proposes a framework for understanding how adventure recreation experiences promote eudaemonic SWB. In our framework, we propose that adventure recreation fosters eudaemonic aspects of SWB by supporting the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness and beneficence. The framework also integrates 'contact with nature' as an important mechanism through which adventure recreation fosters eudaemonic SWB. Analysis of research and practice across diverse aspects of adventure recreation (leisure, tourism, and education contexts) is used to support the proposed framework and to critically evaluate how psychological models, such as self-determination theory (SDT) and SWB, can advance theory and practice in adventure recreation. We conclude by offering a number of suggestions for future research directions and practical implications.
Rethinking the intensive care environment: considering nature in nursing practice
Journal of clinical nursing, 2016
With consideration of an environmental concept, this paper explores evidence related to the negative impacts of the intensive care unit environment on patient outcomes and explores the potential counteracting benefits of 'nature-based' nursing interventions as a way to improve care outcomes. The impact of the environment in which a patient is nursed has long been recognised as one determinant in patient outcomes. Whilst the contemporary intensive care unit environment contains many features that support the provision of the intensive therapies the patient requires, it can also be detrimental, especially for long-stay patients. This narrative review considers theoretical and evidence-based literature that supports the adoption of nature-based nursing interventions in intensive care units. Research and theoretical literature from a diverse range of disciplines including nursing, medicine, psychology, architecture and environmental science were considered in relation to patient...
Changing greenspace in residential developments in an inner suburb of Brisbane, Australia
Australian Planner, 2020
The benefits of urban greenspace have been well researched and acknowledged in a strategic planning vision for Brisbane, Australia. As the world implements social distancing and home isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to quality greenspace close to where people live may become more critical. This research investigated residential zoning code assessment benchmarks and development outcomes in terms of changing greenspace but found that the planning assessment process made analysis fraught and inaccurate. Nonetheless, the findings indicated that impact assessable development applications and approvals were not consistent with the stated policy objectives. Closer adherence to stated assessment benchmarks providing more generous setbacks, building separation and greenspace, could achieve the policy intent of higher-density development in a clean, green, sustainable city. The significance and implications of such findings has relevance for broader policy development, implementation and evaluation to improve governance through effective, efficient evaluation of policy outcomes. This study highlighted the imperative for demonstrable compliance with assessment benchmarks; and identified the need for future research into evaluation of planning policy implementation, to ensure outcomes comply with stated objectives. Further research is also required to understand the impact of, and future planning requirements for, residential greenspace. Highlights:. Brisbane's planning vision recognises the importance of greenspace provision.. Development applications and approvals were not consistent with the stated policy intent.. New development approvals had significantly reduced greenspace around sites.. Public submissions had minimal impact on development approval outcomes.. Planning policy evaluation requires consistent, measurable, enforceable assessment benchmarks.
Journal of Archives in Military Medicine
Background: Psychophysiological health status impairs during old age, and exercise is one of the factors that has a significant impact on the mental and physical health of the elderly. However, the impact of exercise on these indicators as well as the effects of exercise continuation or cessation have not been clearly identified. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of doing regular exercise and cessation of exercise on physical and mental health indicators of the old people. Methods: A total of 395 old individuals with a history of at least five years of regular exercise who had either stopped exercising for two years or been engaged in regular exercise volunteered to participate in this study. Two questionnaires including Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire (by Aaron Beck) and McGill Pain Questionnaire were used to measure the depression and the pain perception, respectively. Cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR)...
Field trips to natural environments: how outdoor educators use the physical environment
International journal of science education, 2016
The main assumption of this study is that the natural environment is an important part of learning in out-of-school settings. We therefore aimed at understanding how outdoor educators (OEs) refer to, and use, the natural environment while guiding field trips, and how their use of the natural environment affects student learning outcomes. Using a mixedmethod design, we studied 20 field trips to natural environments with respect to the content the OEs communicated to their students, the skills they taught, and the methods they used. The data we collected included observations of the 20 field trips, interviews with the OEs and their students, and 569 students' questionnaires. We found that the OEs often refer to scientific phenomena and concepts that can be seen outdoors, but they rarely attempt to develop values and attitudes. Eight types of learning outcomes were identified, of which structured active learning stood out as a practice that contributed to a variety of outcomes. Environmental action contributed to shaping students' attitudes and environmental behavior intentions. The thorough analysis we offer of the use of the natural environment could guide OEs pedagogy and, particularly, their use of the natural environment and could lead to further research in this field.
Simulated nature walks improve psychological well-being along a natural to urban continuum
Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2022
Compared to urban environments, interactions with natural environments have been associated with several health benefits including psychological restoration and improved emotional wellbeing. However, classifying environments dichotomously as either natural or urban may emphasize between-category differences and minimize potentially important within-category variation (e.g., forests versus fields of crops; neighborhoods versus city centers). Therefore, the current experiment assessed how viewing brief videos of different environments, ranging along a continuum from stereotypically natural to stereotypically urban, influenced subjective ratings of mood, restoration, and well-being. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four video conditions, which depicted a simulated walk through a pine forest, a farmed field, a tree-lined urban neighborhood, or a bustling city center essentially devoid of greenery. Immediately before and after the videos, participants rated their current emotional states. Participants additionally rated the perceived restorativeness of the video. The results supported the idea that the virtual walks differentially influenced affect and perceived restoration, even when belonging to the same nominal category of natural or urban. The pine forest walk significantly improved happiness relative to both urban walks, whereas the farmed field walk did not. The bustling city center walk decreased feelings of calmness compared to all other walks, including the tree-lined neighborhood walk. The walks also differed on two perceived restorativeness measures (daydreaming and being away) in a graded fashion; however, the farmed field walk was found to be less fascinating than all other walks, including both urban walks. Taken together, these results suggest that categorizing environments as "natural versus urban" may gloss over meaningful within-category variability regarding the restorative potential of different physical environments.