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Health and Wellbeing Benefits from Nature Experiences in Tropical Settings Depend on Strength of Connection to Nature

Author

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  • Rachel R. Y. Oh

    (Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
    Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
    German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Kelly S. Fielding

    (School of Communication and Arts, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

  • Chia-Chen Chang

    (Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore)

  • Le T. P. Nghiem

    (Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore)

  • Claudia L. Y. Tan

    (Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore)

  • Shimona A. Quazi

    (National Parks Board, Singapore 259569, Singapore)

  • Danielle F. Shanahan

    (Zealandia Centre for People and Nature, Wellington 6012, New Zealand)

  • Kevin J. Gaston

    (Environment & Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK)

  • Roman L. Carrasco

    (Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore)

  • Richard A. Fuller

    (Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

Abstract

A growing number of policies and programmes in cities aim to increase the time people spend in nature for the health and wellbeing benefits delivered by such interactions. Yet, there is little research investigating the extent to which, and for whom, nature experiences deliver such benefits outside Europe, North America, and Australia. Here, we assessed the relationships between nature dose (frequency, duration, and intensity) and three mental wellbeing (depression, stress, and anxiety) and two physical health (high blood pressure, diabetes) outcomes in Singapore, an intensely urbanised tropical city. Our analyses accounted for individual factors, including socio-economic status, nature connection (nature relatedness), and whether people with poor health are prevented by their condition from visiting green spaces. Our results show that the association between nature dose (specifically duration) and mental wellbeing is moderated by a nature connection. Specifically, people with a stronger nature connection were less likely to be depressed, stressed, and anxious, regardless of the duration of their nature dose. For those with a weaker connection to nature, spending longer in nature was associated with being more depressed, stressed, and anxious. We did not find a relationship between nature dose and high blood pressure or diabetes. Our results highlight that the relationship between nature dose and wellbeing might vary substantially among cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel R. Y. Oh & Kelly S. Fielding & Chia-Chen Chang & Le T. P. Nghiem & Claudia L. Y. Tan & Shimona A. Quazi & Danielle F. Shanahan & Kevin J. Gaston & Roman L. Carrasco & Richard A. Fuller, 2021. "Health and Wellbeing Benefits from Nature Experiences in Tropical Settings Depend on Strength of Connection to Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-16, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10149-:d:644310
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lara S. Franco & Danielle F. Shanahan & Richard A. Fuller, 2017. "A Review of the Benefits of Nature Experiences: More Than Meets the Eye," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-29, August.
    2. Doherty, Sean T. & Lemieux, Christopher J. & Canally, Culum, 2014. "Tracking human activity and well-being in natural environments using wearable sensors and experience sampling," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 83-92.
    3. de Vries, Sjerp & van Dillen, Sonja M.E. & Groenewegen, Peter P. & Spreeuwenberg, Peter, 2013. "Streetscape greenery and health: Stress, social cohesion and physical activity as mediators," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 26-33.
    4. Michael J. Duncan & Neil D. Clarke & Samantha L. Birch & Jason Tallis & Joanne Hankey & Elizabeth Bryant & Emma L. J. Eyre, 2014. "The Effect of Green Exercise on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Mood State in Primary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-11, April.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Alan C. Logan & Nalini M. Nadkarni, 2022. "Tapestry Thinking: An Interview with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni on an Unexpected Life in Science," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, November.

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