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

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.

Keep Calm and Go Out: Urban Nature Exposure, Mental Health, and Perceived Value during the COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Derived from Wilson's 1984 [78] biophilia theory, which discusses humans' subconscious need to maintain contact with the natural environment and all forms of life due to the evolutionary process, nature relatedness describes the affective, cognitive, and experiential aspects of human-nature relationships [79]. This link is further examined in later studies which establish a causal connection between nature engagement, the feeling of belonging to the natural world, and mental health benefits [80][81][82][83][84][85]. For this reason, a short form of the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-6) was incorporated into our survey.…”

Connection and recovery in the COVID‐19 age: An analysis of changes in goal‐setting throughout the pandemic by consumers living with enduring mental illness

“…Alongside this, a lack of accessibility to services that equip individuals with the resources to achieve their goals is severely impaired (Munindradasa et al, 2021). In its place, there appears to be an increased need for connectedness to promote resilience in the face of pandemic‐related stressors (Gizdic et al, 2023) and engagement with nature to help relieve anxieties associated with the restrictiveness of the pandemic (Wicks et al, 2023). Despite the observed decrease in goals set in this domain, noting the high achievement of Approach‐based goals may benefit recovery‐oriented practitioners as they support consumers in their recovery amidst the varying successes of avoidant‐versus‐approach behavioural goals.…”

Sowing Seeds of Resilience: Cultural Transitions, Economic Strains, and Fearful Realities: A Deep Dive Into Psychological Stress Among Rural Women

“…The correlation between psychological stress, health ailments, and feelings of hopelessness among rural women has attracted attention from various academic perspectives. The research introduced the stress process model, elucidating how chronic stressors, inclusive of psychological stress, can lead to adverse health outcomes (Wicks, Barton, Andrews, Orbell, Sandercock & Wood, 2023). This framework gains significance when considering the distinct challenges faced by rural women within their socio-cultural contexts.…”