Loading...
Results from an 18 country cross-sectional study examining experiences of nature for people with common mental health disorders
Tester-Jones, Michelle White, Mathew P. Elliott, Lewis R. Weinstein, Netta Grellier, James Economou, Theo Bratman, Gregory N. Cleary, Anne Gascon, Mireia Korpela, Kalevi M.
Tester-Jones, Michelle
White, Mathew P.
Elliott, Lewis R.
Weinstein, Netta
Grellier, James
Economou, Theo
Bratman, Gregory N.
Cleary, Anne
Gascon, Mireia
Korpela, Kalevi M.
Abstract
Exposure to natural environments is associated with a lower risk of common mental health disorders (CMDs), such as depression and anxiety, but we know little about nature-related motivations, practices and experiences of those already experiencing CMDs. We used data from an 18-country survey to explore these issues (n = 18,838), taking self-reported doctor-prescribed medication for depression and/or anxiety as an indicator of a CMD (n = 2698, 14%). Intrinsic motivation for visiting nature was high for all, though slightly lower for those with CMDs. Most individuals with a CMD reported visiting nature ≥ once a week. Although perceived social pressure to visit nature was associated with higher visit likelihood, it was also associated with lower intrinsic motivation, lower visit happiness and higher visit anxiety. Individuals with CMDs seem to be using nature for self-management, but ‘green prescription’ programmes need to be sensitive, and avoid undermining intrinsic motivation and nature-based experiences.
Keywords
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Scientific Reports
Book
Volume
10
Issue
1
Page Range
1-11
Article Number
Article 19408
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open