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Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain Intentional Outdoor Nature Contact Behavior among College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Manoj Sharma

    (Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA)

  • Erin Largo-Wight

    (Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA)

  • Amar Kanekar

    (College of Business, Health and Human Services, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA)

  • Hana Kusumoto

    (Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA)

  • Stephanie Hooper

    (Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA)

  • Vinayak K. Nahar

    (Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
    Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA)

Abstract

Nature contact is an emerging health behavior and is defined as the interaction between human beings and animals, plants, natural scenic views, or outdoor activities. Studies have shown that exposure to the outdoors (as a means of contact with nature) reduces perceived stress and promotes health and wellbeing among varying populations in many settings. To date, however, there are few studies exploring the impact of nature contact among college students, especially in the United States. In addition, the determinants of nature contact behavior have not adequately been explored using behavioral theories. The purpose of this study was to use the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change, a contemporary fourth-generation behavioral theory in explaining intentional outdoor nature contact behavior among college students. Using a cross-sectional design, 401 students completed the validated survey based on MTM. Of these, 281 met the inclusion criteria. The mean score for perceived stress based on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) in the sample was 21.60 (7.08) units, with a possible minimum and maximum scores ranging from 0 to 40 units. Constructs of behavioral confidence (standardized coefficient = 0.591, p < 0.001) and changes in the physical environment (standardized coefficient = 0.271, p < 0.001) from MTM accounted for 57.5% of the variance in the initiation for intentional outdoor nature contact behavior. All the three constructs of MTM—namely, emotional transformation (standardized coefficient = 0.173, p = 0.021), practice for change (standardized coefficient = 0.317, p < 0.001), and changes in the social environment (standardized coefficient = 0.204, p = 0.002)—were statistically significant and contributed substantively toward the variance (31.0%) in sustenance. MTM provides a useful and pragmatic framework for designing interventions to promote intentional nature contact behavior among college students.

Suggested Citation

  • Manoj Sharma & Erin Largo-Wight & Amar Kanekar & Hana Kusumoto & Stephanie Hooper & Vinayak K. Nahar, 2020. "Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain Intentional Outdoor Nature Contact Behavior among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6104-:d:402306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandifer, Paul A. & Sutton-Grier, Ariana E. & Ward, Bethney P., 2015. "Exploring connections among nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health and well-being: Opportunities to enhance health and biodiversity conservation," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 12(C), pages 1-15.
    2. Hyunju Jo & Chorong Song & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2019. "Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-23, November.
    3. Rothman, K.J. & Greenland, S., 2005. "Causation and causal inference in epidemiology," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(S1), pages 144-150.
    4. Gaochao Zhang & Dorthe V. Poulsen & Victoria L. Lygum & Sus S. Corazon & Marie C. Gramkow & Ulrika K. Stigsdotter, 2017. "Health-Promoting Nature Access for People with Mobility Impairments: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, June.
    5. Vinayak K. Nahar & Julia K. Wells & Robert E. Davis & Elizabeth C. Johnson & Jason W. Johnson & Manoj Sharma, 2020. "Factors Associated with Initiation and Sustenance of Stress Management Behaviors in Veterinary Students: Testing of Multi-Theory Model (MTM)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-10, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Manoj Sharma & Kavita Batra & Ching-Chen Chen & Chia-Liang Dai & Ravi Batra & David P. Cappelli, 2022. "Predicting Flossing through the Application of the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change among Minority Adolescents in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Chia-Liang Dai & Ching-Chen Chen & Manoj Sharma, 2023. "Exploring Yoga Behaviors among College Students Based on the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Manoj Sharma & Robert E. Davis & Amanda H. Wilkerson, 2021. "COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among College Students: A Theory-Based Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Manoj Sharma & Kavita Batra & Ravi Batra & Chia-Liang Dai & Traci Hayes & Melinda J. Ickes & Tejinder Pal Singh, 2022. "Assessing the Testability of the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) in Predicting Vaping Quitting Behavior among Young Adults in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-19, September.

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