The Connections among Interacting with Nature, Nature Relatedness and Dietary Choices: A Pilot Mixed Methods Study

Dahlia Stott, Chetan Sharma, Jonathan M Deutsch and Brandy-Joe Milliron ()
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Dahlia Stott: Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Chetan Sharma: Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Jonathan M Deutsch: Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Brandy-Joe Milliron: Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Interacting with nature and a connection to nature (Nature Relatedness [NR]) have been associated with better mental and physical health as well as higher levels of physical activity. However, limited research has explored how interacting with nature and NR may promote healthful dietary behaviors. The purpose of this pilot convergent mixed methods study was to explore the connections between interacting with nature, NR, and dietary choices. For descriptive purposes, we measured participants’ ( n = 25) interactions with nature, NR (total, experience, perspective, and self) scores, physical activity, and Healthy Eating Index-2020 scores. In-depth interviews ( n = 13) explored the factors that influence interacting with nature and food choices. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately, and later integrated to yield a more complete understanding of the research inquiry than either form of data would have provided alone. The results from this pilot mixed methods study indicate that there are connections between the variables of interest and that NR may play a pivotal role in how interacting with nature may promote sustainable dietary behaviors. These findings could promote the potential for utilizing nature-based experiences to improve dietary intake.

Keywords: nature; interactions with nature; nature relatedness; connection to nature; dietary intake; dietary choices; sustainable food choices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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