Nature-Based Physical Recreation Leads to Psychological Well-Being: Evidence from Five Studies

Abstract

A variety of positive mental health outcomes have been linked with increased exposure to natural environments. However, there has been minimal investigation into how specific patterns of activity in the outdoors may be beneficial. Prior theory suggests that it is particularly nature-based physical recreation (e.g., hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing) - reflecting attempts to enjoy, observe, and exercise in nature without substantial technological mediation or alteration of the environment - that is positively correlated with psychological well-being. Data collected across a series of five surveys provides pervasive support for this association, even when controlling for age, gender, income, educational attainment, physical activity levels, other types of nature-based recreation behaviors, dispositional connectedness to nature, and mindfulness. Discussion focuses on the potential mechanisms that account for these relationships.