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Enhancing Adolescent Girls’ Well-Being in the Arctic—Finding What Motivates Spending Time in Nature

Author

Listed:
  • Varpu Wiens

    (Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland)

  • Kari Soronen

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lapland, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland)

  • Helvi Kyngäs

    (Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
    Oulu University Hospital, 90220 Oulu, Finland)

  • Tarja Pölkki

    (Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
    Oulu University Hospital, 90220 Oulu, Finland)

Abstract

Background: According to previous studies, the natural environment positively influences well-being, including that of adolescent girls. However, knowledge is lacking on what motivates adolescent girls to spend time in nature. A secondary analysis of qualitative data was conducted employing three preexisting sets of interview data that had formed the basis of previously published research reports. A novel perspective on what motivates adolescent girls in the Arctic to spend time in nature was uncovered—a finding that previous articles have not reported. Aim: The aim was to describe what motivates adolescent girls in the Arctic to spend time in nature. Methods: The participants were adolescent girls aged 13 to 16 living in the province of Finnish Lapland. The girls wrote about well-being ( n = 117) and were interviewed ( n = 19) about the meaning of seasonal changes, nature and animals’ influence on well-being. Also, five focus group interviews ( n = 17) were held. The materials were analyzed by inductive content analysis. Results: After the secondary analysis, three generic categories were found: (1) wanting to have pleasant emotions, (2) the possibility of participating in activities and (3) a desire to feel better. The main category of “need to experience positive sensations” was formed. Conclusion: Based on these results, through personalized guidance and advice, it is possible to strengthen adolescent girls’ willingness to spend time in nature.

Suggested Citation

  • Varpu Wiens & Kari Soronen & Helvi Kyngäs & Tarja Pölkki, 2021. "Enhancing Adolescent Girls’ Well-Being in the Arctic—Finding What Motivates Spending Time in Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2052-:d:502320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ernest Bielinis & Emilia Janeczko & Norimasa Takayama & Anna Zawadzka & Alicja Słupska & Sławomir Piętka & Maija Lipponen & Lidia Bielinis, 2021. "The effects of viewing a winter forest landscape with the ground and trees covered in snow on the psychological relaxation of young Finnish adults: A pilot study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Mike Rogerson & Valerie F. Gladwell & Daniel J. Gallagher & Jo L. Barton, 2016. "Influences of Green Outdoors versus Indoors Environmental Settings on Psychological and Social Outcomes of Controlled Exercise," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Elizabeth Nisbet & John Zelenski & Steven Murphy, 2011. "Happiness is in our Nature: Exploring Nature Relatedness as a Contributor to Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 303-322, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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