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Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 24802

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dianne A. Vella-Brodrick

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Guest Editor

Centre for Wellbeing Science, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
Interests: wellbeing; adolescents; biofeedback; positive psychology; nature and green space; success beliefs; wellbeing education; health; technology; interdisciplinary
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Thomas Astell-Burt

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Guest Editor

Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
Interests: population health; environmental data science; restorative environments; urban greening
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving” is being prepared for publication in Sustainability, a peer reviewed, open access journal. Sustainability focuses on research examining the natural environment, sustainable development, and the impact of human interactions with nature. Sustainability publishes a variety of works including reviews, regular research papers, communications, and short notes, and there is no restriction on manuscript length. Sustainability aims to promote cross-disciplinary studies from around the globe.

The increase in urban living and immersion in technology can result in reduced opportunities for humans to interact with nature. A lack of connection with nature can be detrimental to personal health and well-being and can also undermine pro-environmental and pro-social attitudes and behaviors. This is evidenced from a growing research base in the field including correlational, experimental, and longitudinal studies. Understanding the key elements of natural environments that foster well-being and finding innovative ways of facilitating, replicating, and optimizing these experiences can lead to restoration, resilience, and flourishing, even during challenging times. Adopting a cross-disciplinary approach that engages scientific disciplines such as environmental science, psychology (including positive psychology and environmental psychology), population health, technology, urban planning, public health policy, and education to address big questions can create lasting impact. Insights from studies addressing concerns about the diminishing nature connection and heightened rates of mental illness, particularly among the younger generations who have grown up in an environment saturated with technology and high-density buildings, are vital. Immersion in natural environments can offer a non-invasive and natural method for improving psychological health and well-being that could complement, strengthen, and innovate existing approaches.

For this Special Issue “Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving”, we are inviting submissions of high-quality papers that explore the underlying mechanisms and impact of nature on well-being and mental health. Papers examining the links between natural environments on pro-social and environmental behaviors are also encouraged. Of special interest is the use of novel methods to measure exposure to nature as well as cross-disciplinary interventions and initiatives for promoting nature connectedness in a range of contexts (e.g., urban settings, vertical schools, workplaces) and for a variety of populations, including young people. Mixed methods and longitudinal studies are welcome, as are studies that test and advance nature theory and its relevance to mental health and well-being.

Prof. Dianne A. Vella-Brodrick
Prof. Thomas Astell-Burt
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

nature
green space
blue space
natural environment
natural settings
urban greening
environmental attitudes and behaviors
well-being
mental health
happiness
positive psychology
flourishing
population health
public health
nature connectedness
environmental exposure
technology
policy
COVID

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expanding Formal School Curricula to Foster Action Competence in Sustainable Development: A Proposed Free-Choice Project-Based Learning Curriculum

by Mahima Kalla, Micheal Jerowsky, Benjamin Howes and Ann Borda

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16315; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316315 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2394

Abstract

A key determinant and outcome of successful environmental education is ‘pro-environmental behavior’, i.e., behavior that involves conscious action to mitigate adverse environmental impacts at personal or community level, e.g., reducing resource consumption and waste generation, avoiding toxic substances, and organizing community awareness initiatives. However, some theorists have sought to move away from rationalist models of behavioral modification, towards holistic pedagogical initiatives that seek to develop action competence. In light of the global push towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emerging evidence suggests that education initiatives should foster action competence so students may be equipped to contribute to sustainable development as part of their education. The UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Roadmap 2030 has also identified key priority areas to strengthen ESD in formal curricula. This article reports two informal environmental education initiatives for promoting action competence and pro-environmental behaviors in school-aged children. The authors recommend that formal education settings (e.g., schools) should incorporate self-directed, free-choice project-based learning to augment environmental education programs and promote students’ action competence for contribution to attainment of SDGs. To this end, we propose a Free-Choice Project-based Learning for Action Competence in Sustainable Development (ACiSD) Curriculum, comprising six implementation dimensions, namely: (1) project duration and teaming arrangements, (2) topic selection, (3) student support, (4) teacher support, (5) learning environments, and (6) digital access and equity. For each implementation dimension, we recommend action steps to help educators implement this curriculum in their own educational settings, with the aid of an illustrative worked example. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)

19 pages, 1398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Changes in Forest Use Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Perception of Forest Ecosystem Services in the Republic of Korea

by So-Hee Park and Chuyoun Chang

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10914; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710914 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1386

Abstract

Ecosystem services (ESs) play an important role in improving human well-being. This study identified the changes in people’s perceived importance of forest ecosystem services (FESs) due to changes in forest use caused by the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. We measured the changes in people’s perceived importance of FESs during the pandemic compared to before its outbreak. We analyzed how the decrease in frequency of visits to urban greenspaces and forests and the purchasing of wood products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) during the pandemic affected changes in the perceived importance of FESs using a multiple linear regression model. Data were collected from 1000 participants through an online survey conducted in the Republic of Korea. Results showed that respondents commonly perceived that all types of FES, particularly regulating and cultural services, were more important during the COVID-19 outbreak than before its onset. Results suggest that people who had decreased their frequency of visits to urban greenspaces and forests had a perception of higher importance for regulating and cultural services than those who maintained it. This study proposes that it is necessary to change urban greenspace and forest management policies reflecting the public’s changed importance of FESs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)

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25 pages, 2264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The ‘Rippling’ Waves of Wellbeing: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Surf-Therapy Intervention on Patients with Acquired Brain Injury

by Lowri Wilkie, Zoe Fisher and Andrew H. Kemp

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9605; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159605 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3719

Abstract

Dominant psychological models of wellbeing neglect the role that nature connection and other key factors, such as positive health behaviours and behaviour change, play in determining wellbeing. The present mixed-methods evaluation explores the impact of ”Surf-Ability”, an adapted surf therapy intervention delivered in collaboration with a UK neurorehabilitation service, on individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) as part of an effort to design interventions based on advances in wellbeing science. Following five surf-therapy sessions, within-subjects analysis (n= 15) revealed significant improvements on the Warwick–Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale (t (15) = −2.164, p = 0.048), as well as in anxiety and happiness as measured via a brief visual analogue. No significant changes occurred in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or resting heart rate variability (HRV). A ripple effects mapping (REM) session at 6–10 months follow-up (n = 6) revealed that the physical and psychological experience of a nature-based challenge initiated a mindset shift in participants, which ultimately led to them adopting wellbeing-promoting long-term behaviour changes. These changes occurred at the scale of (1) individual wellbeing—increased mindfulness and physical activity; (2) collective wellbeing—improved relationships, community participation and contribution to organisations; and (3) planetary wellbeing—connection to nature. These findings align with the GENIAL theoretical framework, which defines wellbeing from a biopsychosocial ecological perspective across multiple levels of scale. The findings support the need for healthcare providers—including neurorehabilitation services—to enhance interventions for patients by incorporating novel factors that improve wellbeing, such as nature-connection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)

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17 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Freshwater Wild Swimming, Health and Well-Being: Understanding the Importance of Place and Risk

by Craig W. McDougall, Ronan Foley, Nick Hanley, Richard S. Quilliam and David M. Oliver

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6364; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106364 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5592

Abstract

Spending time in or around bodies of water or ‘blue spaces’ can benefit human health and well-being. A growing body of evidence suggests immersion in blue space, e.g., participating in ‘wild’ swimming, can be particularly beneficial for both physical and mental health. To date, wild swimming and health research has primarily focused on the experience of individuals who swim in the sea. Empirical studies of the health-promoting potential of swimming in freshwater environments, such as lochs and lakes, are lacking, despite the popularity of this practice in many countries and the vastly different physical and hydrological properties of freshwater and coastal environments. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between loch (lake) swimming and health and well-being for adults living in Scotland and determine the importance of perceptions of place and risk in this relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve wild swimmers who regularly swim in lochs in Scotland. Interview data were analysed thematically using Nvivo. The findings suggest loch swimming has a variety of health and well-being benefits that can be categorised over three domains of health: physical, mental and social. Of these domains, mental health benefits e.g., mindfulness promotion, resilience building and increasing one’s ability to listen to their body, were particularly prominent. Our findings also highlight important physical and hydrological characteristics of loch environments, e.g., calm water conditions (relative to the sea), which contribute to positive wild swimming experiences. Finally, the perceived risks of loch swimming and mitigation strategies for these risks are established. Collectively, our findings further support the notion that wild swimming is a unique health-promoting practice. Our findings also highlight differences (in terms of experience and perceived risk) between swimming in freshwater and coastal environments, which can inform public health and water management policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)

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18 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Spending Time in Nature Help Students Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic?

by Jessica E. Desrochers, Ashleigh L. Bell, Elizabeth K. Nisbet and John M. Zelenski

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042401 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3625

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our economy, social lives, and mental health, and it therefore provides a unique chance for researchers to examine how people cope with changes to their everyday activities. Research suggests that people may be spending more time in nature than they did pre-pandemic. The current study sheds light on how nature is being used to cope with the stresses of the global health crisis and lockdowns. Canadian undergraduate students (N = 559) filled out a questionnaire during the fall of 2020 about their pandemic experience, including their affects, life satisfaction, and feelings of flourishing and vitality, in addition to a wide variety of nature variables. The weekly exposures, the perceived increases or decreases in the exposure to nature during the pandemic, and the feelings of connectedness (nature relatedness) were assessed. Those who felt like they were spending more time in nature than they did pre-pandemic experienced more subjective well-being. Nature-related individuals were more likely to access nature and to appreciate it more during the pandemic than others, but all people (even those less connected) experienced well-being benefits from spending more time in nature. Going into nature appears to be an increasingly popular and effective coping strategy to boost or maintain subjective well-being during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessReview

Improving Nature Connectedness in Adults: A Meta-Analysis, Review and Agenda

by David Sheffield, Carly W. Butler and Miles Richardson

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12494; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912494 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6495

Abstract

With clear links between an individual’s sense of nature connectedness, their psychological wellbeing, and engagement in nature-friendly behaviours, efforts to improve people’s relationships with nature can help unite human and planetary wellbeing. In the context of a rapidly growing evidence base, this paper updates previous meta-analytic reviews to explore the impact of (quasi-) experimental manipulations and field interventions on nature connectedness in adult populations. The analysis examines the relative effects of type of contact (direct or indirect), quality of engagement (active or passive) and the timing of the engagement (single session, repeated practice or residential). Results show a medium positive short-term mean effect of manipulations on nature connectedness, with similar effect sizes for immediate and sustained increases. No effect size differences were observed between different types of contact, quality, or timing of engagement. Follow-up measures were mostly used in studies involving regular and repeated practices. An agenda for future research and practice is put forward, emphasising the need for examining a wider range of nature engagement activities, greater understanding of factors leading to increases in nature connectedness, design and testing of practices for sustained nature connection, and initiatives that engage people with nature, create conditions for nature connection, and encourage repeated nature engagement activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)

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