Research

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27 pages, 631 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Understanding the Role of Nature Engagement in Supporting Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19

by Patricia M. Darcy, Jennifer Taylor, Lorna Mackay, Naomi J. Ellis and Christopher J. Gidlow

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3908; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19073908 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4336

Abstract

The importance of natural environments in supporting health and wellbeing has been well evidenced in supporting positive mental and physical health outcomes, including during periods of crisis and stress. Given the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been greatest for those who [...] Read more.

The importance of natural environments in supporting health and wellbeing has been well evidenced in supporting positive mental and physical health outcomes, including during periods of crisis and stress. Given the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been greatest for those who are most vulnerable, understanding the role of natural environment and alternative forms of nature engagement in supporting health and wellbeing for vulnerable groups is important. This study explored how nature engagement supported health and wellbeing in those with a pre-existing health condition during the first UK lockdown. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults with a pre-existing health condition and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four themes were identified: COVID-19 versus nature; Nature as an extension and replacement; Nature connectedness; and Therapeutic nature. The findings show the importance of nature in supporting health and wellbeing in those with a pre-existing health condition through engagement with private and public natural environments, micro-restorative opportunities, nature connection as an important pathway, and the therapeutic benefits of nature engagement. The present research extends the evidence-base beyond patterns of nature engagement to a deeper understanding of how those with existing health conditions perceived and interacted with nature in relation to their health and wellbeing during the first UK lockdown. Findings are discussed in relation to health supporting environments, micro-restorative opportunities, and policy implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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21 pages, 2097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Being Solo in Nature Affect Well-Being? Evidence from Norway, Germany and New Zealand

by Evi Petersen, Annette Bischoff, Gunnar Liedtke and Andrew J. Martin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7897; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18157897 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5266

Abstract

Background: Solo—being intentionally solitary in nature—is receiving growing attention as a valuable outdoor education program component. Its practice and history have been researched in the context of experiential learning, but few studies have explicitly examined how solo experiences can affect dimensions of well-being. [...] Read more.

Background: Solo—being intentionally solitary in nature—is receiving growing attention as a valuable outdoor education program component. Its practice and history have been researched in the context of experiential learning, but few studies have explicitly examined how solo experiences can affect dimensions of well-being. This study investigated a broad range of well-being pathways provided by being solo, based on data from Norway, Germany, and New Zealand. Methods: Using qualitative content analysis (QCA), the solo debrief responses of 40 participants (26 females, age: 19–64 years) were analysed, applying the PERMA-V framework (emotions, engagement, relationship, meaning, achievement, and vitality). Variations in the reports were explored as a function of the national sample, gender, age, prior solo experiences and expectations. Results: The study suggests that hedonic and eudemonic well-being pathways, represented by the six PERMA-V pillars, interrelate strongly. The experience of a range of positive emotions and connecting process during solo highlights two of the most frequent findings related to well-being pathways. The secondary findings suggest minor variations in the well-being pathways for the different national samples, gender and age. Expectations and prior experiences with solo were identified as context factors with minor impact. Further, the data-driven analysis identified specific physical activities, landscape features, sense-activation, perception of time and ‘good’ weather as relevant to the specific experience. Conclusions: Solo experiences provide for well-being-related pathways in a multitude of ways, which highlights the well-being potential of solo implementation across practical fields beyond outdoor education, such as wilderness therapy, and environmental and planetary health initiatives. Future studies should continue to explore solo’s well-being potential in different settings, especially in the context of non-Western samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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23 pages, 1013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nature-Based Interventions and Mind–Body Interventions: Saving Public Health Costs Whilst Increasing Life Satisfaction and Happiness

by Jules Pretty and Jo Barton

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7769; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17217769 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9831

Abstract

A number of countries have begun to adopt prevention pays policies and practices to reduce pressure on health and social care systems. Most affluent countries have seen substantial increases in the incidence and costs of non-communicable diseases. The interest in social models for [...] Read more.

A number of countries have begun to adopt prevention pays policies and practices to reduce pressure on health and social care systems. Most affluent countries have seen substantial increases in the incidence and costs of non-communicable diseases. The interest in social models for health has led to the growth in use of social prescribing and psychological therapies. At the same time, there has been growth in application of a variety of nature-based and mind–body interventions (NBIs and MBIs) aimed at improving health and longevity. We assess four NBI/MBI programmes (woodland therapy, therapeutic horticulture, ecotherapy/green care, and tai chi) on life satisfaction/happiness and costs of use of public services. These interventions produce rises in life satisfaction/happiness of 1.00 pts to 7.29 (n = 644; p < 0.001) (for courses or participation >50 h). These increases are greater than many positive life events (e.g., marriage or a new child); few countries or cities see +1 pt increases over a decade. The net present economic benefits per person from reduced public service use are £830–£31,520 (after 1 year) and £6450–£11,980 (after 10 years). We conclude that NBIs and MBIs can play a role in helping to reduce the costs on health systems, while increasing the well-being of participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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18 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proposing a Framework for the Restorative Effects of Nature through Conditioning: Conditioned Restoration Theory

by Lars Even Egner, Stefan Sütterlin and Giovanna Calogiuri

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6792; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17186792 - 17 Sep 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7908

Abstract

Natural environments have been shown to trigger psychological and physiological restoration in humans. A new framework regarding natural environments restorative properties is proposed. Conditioned restoration theory builds on a classical conditioning paradigm, postulating the occurrence of four stages: (i) unconditioned restoration, unconditioned positive [...] Read more.

Natural environments have been shown to trigger psychological and physiological restoration in humans. A new framework regarding natural environments restorative properties is proposed. Conditioned restoration theory builds on a classical conditioning paradigm, postulating the occurrence of four stages: (i) unconditioned restoration, unconditioned positive affective responses reliably occur in a given environment (such as in a natural setting); (ii) restorative conditioning, the positive affective responses become conditioned to the environment; (iii) conditioned restoration, subsequent exposure to the environment, in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus, retrieves the same positive affective responses; and (iv) stimulus generalization, subsequent exposure to associated environmental cues retrieves the same positive affective responses. The process, hypothetically not unique to natural environments, involve the well-documented phenomenon of conditioning, retrieval, and association and relies on evaluative conditioning, classical conditioning, core affect, and conscious expectancy. Empirical findings showing that restoration can occur in non-natural environments and through various sensory stimuli, as well as findings demonstrating that previous negative experience with nature can subsequently lower restorative effects, are also presented in support of the theory. In integration with other existing theories, the theory should prove to be a valuable framework for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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15 pages, 896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regular Doses of Nature: The Efficacy of Green Exercise Interventions for Mental Wellbeing

by Mike Rogerson, Carly Wood, Jules Pretty, Patrick Schoenmakers, Dan Bloomfield and Jo Barton

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1526; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17051526 - 27 Feb 2020

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 13188

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of medium-term Green Exercise (GE; being physically active within a natural environment) interventions for improving wellbeing, by pooling data collected at the start and end of participants’ engagement with a range of GE interventions. Hypotheses were that (i) [...] Read more.

This study investigated the efficacy of medium-term Green Exercise (GE; being physically active within a natural environment) interventions for improving wellbeing, by pooling data collected at the start and end of participants’ engagement with a range of GE interventions. Hypotheses were that (i) interventions would show good efficacy for improving wellbeing in the overall sample; (ii) compared to participants reporting ‘average to high’ wellbeing at the start of their project, participants with ‘low’ starting wellbeing would report greater improvements post-intervention; and (iii) improvements would significantly differ between age groups. The pooled dataset was categorized in line with UK norms (n = 318) and analyzed using a standardized meta-analysis approach. Effect size was large: g = 0.812 (95% CI [0.599, 1.025]), and differences in wellbeing changes associated with project duration, age or sex were not statistically significant. Compared to those reporting ‘average-high’ starting wellbeing, participants reporting ‘low’ starting wellbeing exhibited greater improvements (BCa 95% CI [−31.8, −26.5]), with 60.8% moving into the ‘average-high’ wellbeing category. GE can play an important role in facilitating wellbeing and can provide alternative pathways for health and social care practice. Public health commissioners should consider integrating such interventions for patients experiencing low wellbeing or associated comorbidities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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8 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Affective Outcomes of Group versus Lone Green Exercise Participation

by Mike Rogerson, Ian Colbeck, Rachel Bragg, Adekunle Dosumu and Murray Griffin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(2), 624; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17020624 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3381

Abstract

‘Green exercise’ (being physically active within a natural environment) research has examined the influence of environmental setting on health and wellbeing-related exercise outcomes. However, it is not known whether social exercise settings influence green exercise-associated changes in mood, self-esteem, and connection to nature. [...] Read more.

‘Green exercise’ (being physically active within a natural environment) research has examined the influence of environmental setting on health and wellbeing-related exercise outcomes. However, it is not known whether social exercise settings influence green exercise-associated changes in mood, self-esteem, and connection to nature. This study directly compared outcomes of participating in green exercise alone compared to in a group. Using repeated measures, counterbalanced and randomized-crossover design, participants (n = 40) completed two 3 km runs around sports fields. These fields had a relatively flat grass terrain, predominant view of trees, and open grassland. On one occasion participants ran alone and on the other they ran in a group of 4–5 participants. Questionnaire measures of mood, self-esteem, and connection to nature were completed immediately pre- and post-run. Across all of the measures, two-way mixed ANOVAs found that there were statistically significant effects for time but not for time-by-condition interactions. The simplest interpretation of this finding is that social setting does not influence individuals’ attainment of the psychological outcomes of green exercise participation. However, we discuss the possibility that more complex processes might underpin this finding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 555 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enable, Reconnect and Augment: A New ERA of Virtual Nature Research and Application

by Sigbjørn Litleskare, Tadhg E. MacIntyre and Giovanna Calogiuri

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1738; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17051738 - 06 Mar 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7297

Abstract

Being exposed to natural environments is associated with improved health and well-being, as these environments are believed to promote feelings of “being away” from everyday struggles, positive emotional reactions and stress reduction. Despite these positive effects, humanity is becoming increasingly more distanced from [...] Read more.

Being exposed to natural environments is associated with improved health and well-being, as these environments are believed to promote feelings of “being away” from everyday struggles, positive emotional reactions and stress reduction. Despite these positive effects, humanity is becoming increasingly more distanced from nature due to societal changes, such as increased urbanization and the reduced accessibility of natural environments. Technology is also partly to blame, as research suggests that people replace nature contact with increased screen time. In this cross-section between nature and technology, we find technological nature which is progressing towards a point where we may be capable of simulating exposure to real nature. Concerns have been raised regarding this technology, as it is feared it will replace real nature. However, research suggests that virtual nature may have a more positive impact on society than a mere replacement of real nature, and this review propose several areas where virtual nature may be a beneficial addition to actual nature (Enable), help people reconnect with the real natural world (Reconnect) and “boost” human-nature interactions (Augment). Based on the current research and theoretical framework, this review proposes guidelines for future research within these areas, with the aim of advancing the field by producing high quality research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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19 pages, 1322 KiB

Open AccessReview

Psychosocial and Physiological Health Outcomes of Green Exercise in Children and Adolescents—A Systematic Review

by Carina Mnich, Susanne Weyland, Darko Jekauc and Jasper Schipperijn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(21), 4266; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph16214266 - 02 Nov 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7135

Abstract

Both physical activity (PA) and nature exposure are associated with several youth health benefits. However, the health outcomes when being physically active in nature, called Green Exercise (GE), are less clear. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review was to provide an overview [...] Read more.

Both physical activity (PA) and nature exposure are associated with several youth health benefits. However, the health outcomes when being physically active in nature, called Green Exercise (GE), are less clear. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the psychosocial and physiological outcomes of GE in children and adolescents and to outline future GE research directions. The PRISMA statement guided the review. Web of Science, PubMed, ERIC, and APA PsychNET were systematically searched in February 2019, including studies between 2000 and 2019. Fourteen of 1175 identified publications were included, which reported 15 different psychosocial and six different physiological outcomes, with some studies reporting more than one outcome. For 16 outcomes, studies reported either similar or no effects for both GE and comparison groups. For six outcomes, studies reported stronger effects for GE, for three outcomes, studies reported stronger effects in the comparison group. Evidence was rated as weak, using the EPHPP tool. Thus, GE does not have deleterious effects for children and adolescents compared to PA in other settings. GE might be beneficial; however, due to the study’s heterogeneity and quality, it is premature to make definite conclusions. Future research should build the quality of evidence for GE, use more rigorous research designs, and investigate the underlying effects and mechanisms of GE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Exercise and Health Promotion)

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