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The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Contribution of Local Green Space and Nature Connection to Mental Health

Author

Listed:
  • Claire L. Wicks

    (School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

  • Jo L. Barton

    (School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

  • Leanne Andrews

    (School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

  • Sheina Orbell

    (Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

  • Gavin Sandercock

    (School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

  • Carly J. Wood

    (School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

Abstract

Background: Exposure to green space and feeling connected to the natural environment have independently been associated with improved mental health outcomes. During the coronavirus pandemic, people experienced restrictions on access to the outdoors, and health data indicated a decline in mental health in the UK general population. Methods: Data available from two independent surveys conducted prior to and during the pandemic enabled a naturally occurring comparison of mental health and its correlates prior to and during the pandemic. Results: Survey responses from 877 UK residents were included in the analyses. Independent t -tests revealed significant declines in mental health scores during the pandemic. After controlling for age and gender, greater nature connection significantly predicted lower depression and stress and improved well-being. Percentage of green space did not significantly predict any mental health outcomes. Further, time point (pre- or during COVID) and the interaction of time point with green space and nature connection did not significantly predict any of the outcome measures. The findings indicate that nature connection may play an important role in promoting mental health. Strategies to improve mental health and reduce mental illness should consider the role of nature connection and the use of interventions that involve direct interaction with natural environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Claire L. Wicks & Jo L. Barton & Leanne Andrews & Sheina Orbell & Gavin Sandercock & Carly J. Wood, 2023. "The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Contribution of Local Green Space and Nature Connection to Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:6:p:5083-:d:1096390
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miles Richardson & Anne Hunt & Joe Hinds & Rachel Bragg & Dean Fido & Dominic Petronzi & Lea Barbett & Theodore Clitherow & Matthew White, 2019. "A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Gill Hubbard & Chantal den Daas & Marie Johnston & Peter Murchie & Catharine Ward Thompson & Diane Dixon, 2021. "Are Rurality, Area Deprivation, Access to Outside Space, and Green Space Associated with Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross Sectional Study (CHARIS-E)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
    3. Rusi Jaspal & Glynis M Breakwell, 2022. "Socio-economic inequalities in social network, loneliness and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(1), pages 155-165, February.
    4. Carly J. Wood & Jo L. Barton & Claire L. Wicks, 2022. "The Impact of Therapeutic Community Gardening on the Wellbeing, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction of Individuals with Mental Illness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
    5. Mike Rogerson & Carly Wood & Jules Pretty & Patrick Schoenmakers & Dan Bloomfield & Jo Barton, 2020. "Regular Doses of Nature: The Efficacy of Green Exercise Interventions for Mental Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-15, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Argyro Anna Kanelli & Margarita Kokkinaki & Marios-Dimitrios Sinvare & Chrisovalantis Malesios & Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos & Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, 2023. "Keep Calm and Go Out: Urban Nature Exposure, Mental Health, and Perceived Value during the COVID-19 Lockdown," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Yonggeng Xiong & Min Xu & Yan Zhao, 2024. "Resident Preferences for Urban Green Spaces in Response to Pandemic Public Health Emergency: A Case Study of Shanghai," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-25, April.

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