Exploring the beliefs and perceptions of spending time in nature among U.S. youth
dc.contributor.author | Zamora, Astrid N. | |
dc.contributor.author | Waselewski, Marika E. | |
dc.contributor.author | Frank, Abby J. | |
dc.contributor.author | Nawrocki, Jack R. | |
dc.contributor.author | Hanson, Aspen R. | |
dc.contributor.author | Chang, Tammy | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2022-08-10T18:05:24Z | |
dc.date.available | 2022-08-10T18:05:24Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2021-08-23 | |
dc.identifier.citation | BMC Public Health. 2021 Aug 23;21(1):1586 | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11622-x | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/173502 | en |
dc.description.abstract | Abstract Purpose The prevalence of poor mental health continues to rise among youth; however, large-scale interventions to improve mental and physical health remain a public health challenge. Time spent in nature is associated with improved health among youth. This study aimed to assess youth experiences with nature and the self-perceived impact on their mental and physical health among a nationwide sample of US youth. Methods In September 2020, five open-ended questions that aimed to assess perceptions regarding nature were posed to 1174 MyVoice youth, aged 14–24 years. Qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic analysis, and data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results The mean (SD) age of the 994 respondents (RR = 84.7%) was 18.9 (2.7) years; 47.4% were female, and 57.4% Non-Hispanic White. Among youth, many felt that spending time in nature positively impacted their mental health, with 51.6% mentioning that it made them “feel calm when I am out in nature”; 22.1% said that it relieved stress or “reduces my anxiety,” and 17.1% felt that being in nature positively impacted their physical health and “makes me feel more active and in shape.” However, 7.0% said it negatively impacted their health, such as “It makes me feel isolated.” Most youth (87.8%) want to spend more time in nature, with 22% mentioning barriers (i.e., busy schedules, built environment, and COVID-19) impeding them from doing so. Conclusions Youth in our sample generally report feeling physically and mentally better when spending time in nature and want to spend more time in nature. Public health policies and practices that eliminate barriers and actively support time spent outside may be a feasible and acceptable practice to promote overall well-being among youth. | |
dc.title | Exploring the beliefs and perceptions of spending time in nature among U.S. youth | |
dc.type | Journal Article | |
dc.description.bitstreamurl | http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/173502/1/12889_2021_Article_11622.pdf | |
dc.identifier.doi | https://dx.doi.org/10.7302/5233 | |
dc.language.rfc3066 | en | |
dc.rights.holder | The Author(s) | |
dc.date.updated | 2022-08-10T18:05:24Z | |
dc.owningcollname | Interdisciplinary and Peer-Reviewed |
Files in this item
Remediation of Harmful Language
The University of Michigan Library aims to describe library materials in a way that respects the people and communities who create, use, and are represented in our collections. Report harmful or offensive language in catalog records, finding aids, or elsewhere in our collections anonymously through our metadata feedback form. More information at Remediation of Harmful Language.
Accessibility
If you are unable to use this file in its current format, please select the Contact Us link and we can modify it to make it more accessible to you.