Connection to Nature Boosts Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

S Brent Jackson,M Nils Peterson,Erin Seekamp,Kathryn T Stevenson,Lincoln R Larson

doi:10.3390/su132112297

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that connection to nature may be linked to mental health and well-being. Behavioral changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect adolescents’ connection to nature, subsequently impacting health and well-being. We explored the relationship between connection to nature and well-being before and during the pandemic through a nationally representative survey of adolescents across the United States (n = 624) between April and June 2020. Survey items focused on connection to nature, mental well-being, and participation in outdoor activities before and during the pandemic. Paired-sample t-tests revealed declines in connection to nature, mental well-being, and participation in outdoor activities during the pandemic. Multiple linear regression analyses examining connection to nature’s mediating role between outdoor activity participation and mental well-being indicated that connection to nature fueled higher levels of mental well-being at both time intervals. Z scores comparing connection to nature’s mediating role between outdoor activity participation and mental well-being between time intervals indicate that during the pandemic, the direct effect of outdoor activities on mental well-being increased, generating a greater impact than before the pandemic. This study illustrates how the health and well-being benefits associated with adolescents’ outdoor activities are reinforced when those activities also foster a stronger connection to nature.

Highlights

This study contributes to growing evidence (e.g., Friedman et al, 2021) supporting the value of connection to nature in maintaining adolescents’ mental well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Our findings indicate that declines in adolescent mental well-being can be reversed through increased participation in outdoor activities, which encourage development of a connection to nature
Connection to nature further enhances mental well-being by mediating the relationship between outdoor activity participation and mental well-being

Summary

Introduction

In addition to the range of physical health complications associated with contracting the coronavirus, the pandemic has impacted mental well-being by changing daily routines and increasing stress and uncertainty [1,2,3,4]. This may be true for adolescents [5], the group of youth who are 10–19 years old [6]. Research exploring impacts associated with the pandemic show that adolescents increased their participation in sedentary activities [16] and decreased participation in outdoor activities, resulting in declines in their overall mental well-being [17]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion