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Nature Tourism and Mental Well-Being: Insights from a Controlled Context on Reducing Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

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  • Imelda Avecillas-Torres

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Hospitality Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador)

  • Sebastián Herrera-Puente

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, University of Azuay, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador)

  • Miguel Galarza-Cordero

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Hospitality Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador)

  • Fernanda Coello-Nieto

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, University of Azuay, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador)

  • Karina Farfán-Pacheco

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Hospitality Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador)

  • Byron Alvarado-Vanegas

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Hospitality Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador)

  • Stephany Ordóñez-Ordóñez

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Hospitality Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador)

  • Freddy Espinoza-Figueroa

    (PREIT-Tour Research Group, Faculty of Hospitality Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador)

Abstract

Recent studies have underscored the importance of tourism in enhancing individuals’ mental well-being through engagement with nature. This article examines the impact of nature-based tourism on alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among a group of 67 university students who exhibited extremely severe levels of these disorders. Participants were assessed both before and after a nature tourism experience in the Tinajillas Río Gualaceño Protected Forest, Ecuador. Mental health changes were evaluated using the DASS-21 scale, with assessments conducted pre- and post-activity, revealing significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress levels, with large and clinically relevant effect sizes. However, a 6-month follow-up indicated that these long-term benefits diminished and no longer held clinical significance, suggesting the need for more frequent interventions to sustain positive effects. This study concludes that nature-based tourism serves as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving mental well-being in the short term, although its sustainability requires continuous interaction with nature. These findings provide empirical support for nature-based tourism as a mental health strategy and highlight the importance of integrating it into public health policies and tourism management strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Imelda Avecillas-Torres & Sebastián Herrera-Puente & Miguel Galarza-Cordero & Fernanda Coello-Nieto & Karina Farfán-Pacheco & Byron Alvarado-Vanegas & Stephany Ordóñez-Ordóñez & Freddy Espinoza-Figuer, 2025. "Nature Tourism and Mental Well-Being: Insights from a Controlled Context on Reducing Depression, Anxiety, and Stress," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-18, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:654-:d:1568048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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