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

Claire L. Wicks, Jo L. Barton, Leanne Andrews, Sheina Orbell, Gavin Sandercock and Carly J. Wood ()
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Claire L. Wicks: School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Jo L. Barton: School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Leanne Andrews: School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Sheina Orbell: Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Gavin Sandercock: School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Carly J. Wood: School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 6, 1-12

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.

Keywords: depression; anxiety; stress; well-being; natural environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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