The influence of nature on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Views from New England island residents

Kras, Nicole; Keenan, Jennifer C.

doi:10.24043/isj.420

Cited by 3 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…The importance of nature was strongly supported in the ndings, as noted by participants' overwhelmingly selecting access to nature as the most important in uence on their decision to live on an island, as well as the most frequently cited favorite part of living on an island. These ndings echo previous research about the signi cant role that nature plays in these islanders' lives (Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023). The bene ts from having access to these natural spaces can hold many bene ts for islanders' overall well-being, including their mental, physical, socio-emotional, and spiritual well-being (Coleman & Kearns, 2015;Klinger, 2015;Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023;Nicholas, 2014;Satariano, 2019;Wheeler et al, 2012;White et al, 2020).…”

Section: Naturesupporting

confidence: 78%

“…This study builds upon previous research and focuses on how living on an island in development. Similar types of comparisons were found in a study related to the pandemic and gratitude for being isolated from the mainland and having access to the vast spaces in nature for exercise and socializing safely with friends and family (Kras & Keenan, 2023). This study expands on the research by exploring residents' comparisons of island versus non-island life.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 63%

“…This is an area of importance especially as "gentri cation and coastal transformation are accelerating in New England as it is in most coastal areas of the US" (Clark et al, 2017, p.36). The impact that tourists have on New England Island life was referenced by participants in earlier studies, but further investigation is needed (Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023).…”

Section: Tourismmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Participants in this purposeful sample were initially identi ed through two previous studies with residents from the three New England Islands (Kras & Keenan, 2021, Kras & Keenan, 2023. Former study participants were provided the option to anonymously submit their email addresses if they would like to be contacted to participate in future studies on this topic.…”

Section: Participantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An electronic questionnaire was developed by the primary researcher based on ndings from two previous studies with this population and a review of the literature about coastal and island communities (Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023;Satariano, 2019). A draft questionnaire was reviewed by four academic researchers not connected to the study for validity and clarity.…”

Section: Questionnairementioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Island Blue Spaces: A Deeper Exploration

Kras,

Keenan

2023

JMIC

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Preliminary research has shown that blue spaces provide many benefits to health and well-being. In response to the call for a deeper investigation into this area of inquiry, the current study seeks input from those (N=37) who live on islands in the Northeast region of the United States. Previous findings about the significance of having access to nature, identifying it as a favorite part and most influential reason for living on an island, were reaffirmed. Distinctions between island and mainland life were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of community. This study also brought to light participants’ grave concerns about issues such as housing costs, overdevelopment of the island, and the impact of tourism, providing a multifaceted view of life in an island blue space. It is hoped that these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of living in a blue space that can be applied to both island and non-island populations.

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Section: Naturesupporting

confidence: 78%

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 63%

Section: Tourismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Participantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Questionnairementioning

confidence: 99%

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Island Blue Spaces: A Deeper Exploration

Kras,

Keenan

2023

JMIC

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From Decline to Renewal? Understanding Children’s Relationship With Nature in the Wake of Covid-19

Kaplan

2024

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The pandemic has significantly interrupted the already declining relationship between children and nature in recent decades. Despite the widely recognised benefits of contact with nature for general well-being, efforts to improve this relationship and reconnect children with nature have been unsuccessful so far. Although the pandemic may have represented a kind of new opportunity to restart that relationship, several studies indicated a growing gap between those who regularly engage with nature and those who do not, a gap that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. This case study investigates how children perceive their contact with nature before, during, and after the pandemic, and explores its meaning. Participants, aged between 11 and 16 years old, were recruited from schools in both rural and urban areas of Czechia and completed an online questionnaire (<em>n</em> = 123), followed by online group interviews with those who consented. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse quantitative data, and later thematic analysis provided insight into open-ended questions and qualitative data from interviews (<em>n</em> = 20). Results showed that participants spent less time in nature now than they did during the pandemic, although they acknowledged the importance of nature. A commonly cited barrier to spending more time in nature is lack of free time. The overall accessibility and quality of nature in the neighbourhood influenced participants’ time spent in and interactions with nature. Although they perceived some benefits, participants were reluctant to use virtual nature because of concerns about reduced contact with real nature and the accessibility of technical equipment. These findings provide valuable insights for local government to address issues such as accessible nature and the quality of natural areas in relation to the relationship between children and nature in the younger population. By creating such an environment, local authorities could improve the impact of nature as a resource for promoting children’s mental and emotional well-being.

show abstract

Untitled

2023

JMIC

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Preliminary research has shown that blue spaces provide many bene ts to health and well-being. In response to the call for a deeper investigation into this area of inquiry, the current study seeks input from those (N=37) who live on islands in the Northeast region of the United States. Previous ndings about the signi cance of having access to nature, identifying it as a favorite part and most in uential reason for living on an island, were rea rmed. Distinctions between island and mainland life were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of community. This study also brought to light participants' grave concerns about issues such as housing costs, overdevelopment of the island, and the impact of tourism, providing a multifaceted view of life in an island blue space. It is hoped that these ndings contribute to a deeper understanding of living in a blue space that can be applied to both island and non-island populations.

show abstract

The influence of nature on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Views from New England island residents

Cited by 3 publications

References 55 publications

Island Blue Spaces: A Deeper Exploration

Island Blue Spaces: A Deeper Exploration

From Decline to Renewal? Understanding Children’s Relationship With Nature in the Wake of Covid-19

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