Home and nearby nature: Uncovering relational flows between domestic and natural spaces in three countries during COVID-19

Therapeutic landscapes, networks, and health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study among female domestic workers

“…Previous studies ( Rice and Pan, 2021 ; Bustamante et al, 2022 ; Guzmán et al, 2022 ) found the use of outdoor public spaces (parks, gardens, and walking trails) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified those natural spaces as key for coping with domestic and work responsibilities and the pandemic itself ( Foley et al, 2022 ; Guzmán et al, 2022 ). However, those findings do not reflect our findings because FDWs' access to TLs and TNs was highly constrained both by employers and by governmental restrictions.…”

“…Digital spaces also substituted in part for therapeutic landscapes, especially as FDWs attended activities online. The importance of digital spaces for sustaining people's everyday social interactions during the pandemic has been highlighted in research from other parts of the globe ( Foley et al, 2022 ). However, FDWs' online experiences were also somewhat diminished by their lack of privacy and personal space in the employer's home.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed some people's access to and use of therapeutic places and social interactions that are crucial for maintaining health and wellbeing. An expanding body of literature shows that in some places, public spaces such as parks and other green infrastructure have had a key role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing during the pandemic ( Heckert and Bristowe, 2021 ; Bustamante et al, 2022 ; Guzmán et al, 2022 ), while social interactions and support, based in residential neighborhoods, social media, and online, have increased in importance ( Foley et al, 2022 ; Lupton and Lewis, 2022 ). However, these impacts are likely to vary widely across population groups: groups that are marginalized by low income, social isolation, and/or challenging work conditions may experience reduced access to therapeutic landscapes and social networks that complicate their ties with health and wellbeing.…”