TY - JOUR
T1 - Wellbeing through nature
T2 - a qualitative exploration of psychosocial aspects of a Landcare ACT nature-connection program
AU - Black, Hannah M.
AU - Neill, James T.
N1 - Funding Information:
The study was partially funded by Landcare ACT, including the participant incentives. The Landcare ACT Wellbeing Through Nature program was funded by an ACT Government Healthy Canberra Grant 2020/21. Landcare ACT was consulted about study design and assisted with distributing study recruitment information to program participants. Landcare ACT was not involved in data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation, or decision to publish. Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions.
Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Outdoor Education Australia 2024.
PY - 2024/12
Y1 - 2024/12
N2 - Although positive relationships between nature and wellbeing are well-established, there is a lack of applied research about nature-based community wellbeing programs in Australia. During 2021–2022, Landcare ACT conducted a pilot Wellbeing through Nature program which aimed to improve mental health, social connectedness, and quality of life via Landcare-themed outdoor activities such as guided walks and conservation activities. This study explored the perceptions of eight participants about their motivations, psychosocial outcomes, and mechanisms of change. Participants were interviewed approximately one year into the program. Using reflexive thematic analysis, five motivations were identified: seeking active connection with nature, pursuing personal goals, exploring local places and activities, and interest in specific program elements. The outcomes related to improvements in mental health, social connectedness, and quality of life, as well as a deeper connection to nature. The main mechanisms of change were program structure and facilitation, and use of hands-on, nature-based activities. The findings support continuation and expansion of inclusive community-based programs which facilitate authentic experiences of connecting with Country. Meaningful community activities help people learn about caring for local, natural environments and themselves may be an untapped means of helping to address public psychosocial health needs.
AB - Although positive relationships between nature and wellbeing are well-established, there is a lack of applied research about nature-based community wellbeing programs in Australia. During 2021–2022, Landcare ACT conducted a pilot Wellbeing through Nature program which aimed to improve mental health, social connectedness, and quality of life via Landcare-themed outdoor activities such as guided walks and conservation activities. This study explored the perceptions of eight participants about their motivations, psychosocial outcomes, and mechanisms of change. Participants were interviewed approximately one year into the program. Using reflexive thematic analysis, five motivations were identified: seeking active connection with nature, pursuing personal goals, exploring local places and activities, and interest in specific program elements. The outcomes related to improvements in mental health, social connectedness, and quality of life, as well as a deeper connection to nature. The main mechanisms of change were program structure and facilitation, and use of hands-on, nature-based activities. The findings support continuation and expansion of inclusive community-based programs which facilitate authentic experiences of connecting with Country. Meaningful community activities help people learn about caring for local, natural environments and themselves may be an untapped means of helping to address public psychosocial health needs.
KW - Ecotherapy
KW - Environmental volunteering
KW - Landcare
KW - Nature-connection
KW - Wellbeing
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85211932409&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s42322-024-00184-2
DO - 10.1007/s42322-024-00184-2
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85211932409
SN - 2206-3110
SP - 1
EP - 26
JO - Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education
JF - Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education
ER -