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

Author

Listed:
  • S. Brent Jackson

    (Department of Integrated Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA)

  • Kathryn T. Stevenson

    (Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

  • Lincoln R. Larson

    (Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

  • M. Nils Peterson

    (Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

  • Erin Seekamp

    (Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Brent Jackson & Kathryn T. Stevenson & Lincoln R. Larson & M. Nils Peterson & Erin Seekamp, 2021. "Connection to Nature Boosts Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:12297-:d:674055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Song Yao & Kui Liu, 2022. "The Relationship between Extensive Application of Technology and “Withdrawal from Nature” of Young People," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-13, June.

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