Physical Activity, Residential Environment, and Nature Relatedness in Young Men—A Population-Based MOPO Study

Abstract

Background: In general, nature relatedness is positively associated with physical activity, health, and subjective well-being. However, increased residence in urban areas, and the decrease in natural spaces, may affect the younger generation most adversely. The associated environmental changes can increase youths’ risk of spending most of their time indoors, and weaken their nature relatedness, making them less likely to enjoy nature’s health benefits. This is a serious public health issue, since inadequate physical activity, combined with minimum time spent in green space, can affect health across the whole lifespan. Thus, to develop effective interventions for physical activation and promote health and well-being among young men, further knowledge of the determinants of their nature relatedness is necessary. Aims: To explore factors related to nature relatedness, including physical activity, physical activity with parents, and residential environment. Methods: The study population consisted of all 914 young men (mean—17.8 years; SD—0.5) who participated in mandatory call-ups for military service and completed the study questionnaire in 2013. The questionnaire inquired about their nature relatedness, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, physical activity, health, and subjective well-being. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to assess the features of their residential environments. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Physical activity (p = 0.021) and physical activity with parents at primary school age (p = 0.007), and currently (p = 0.001) as well as good self-rated health (p = 0.001), and father’s higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.041), were positively connected to nature relatedness. Conclusions: Physical activity in general, physical activity with parents, and nature relatedness were positively related. This knowledge can be utilized in promoting physical activity and health among young men.

A cross-sectional study of physical activity behaviour and associations with wellbeing during the UK coronavirus lockdown

“…These findings are supported by the findings of the regression analyses indicating that PA during lockdown and living in a rural environment significantly predicted nature connection. Combined, these findings all support the growing evidence indicating a relationship between nature connection, PA and wellbeing (Barton et al, 2016;Puhakka, et al, 2018); and the positive wellbeing impacts of having nature close to the home (Cox et al, 2017a;2017b;Purtle et al, 2019). Thus, it is key that future strategies focused on increasing both PA and wellbeing incorporate the use of green spaces and that public health strategies ensure access to nature within urban areas in order to further promote PA, nature connection and wellbeing.…”

Nature Relatedness of Recreational Horseback Riders and Its Association with Mood and Wellbeing

“…In psychological wellbeing, similar levels of riders compared to dog owners, but significantly higher levels compared to people without pets, were shown. Natural environments are associated with positive feelings [39,40], and decreased depression [28], higher perceived mental [88] health [35], indicating that activity in nature alone may explain our findings. Furthermore, contact with nature and even images of natural environments can help to decrease stress and anxiety and also supports recovery from illness [78].…”

“…The higher the connectedness to nature, the higher the life satisfaction and the higher the happiness or positive emotion [33,34]. Furthermore, time spent in nature may also be used to increase physical activity [35].…”

“…Walking through natural environments results in higher physical fitness [36]. Compared to indoor sports or outdoor sports in built environments, physical activity in nature leads to better sleep quality and emotional wellbeing [37] and a healthier lifestyle [35]. Immune function could be improved through time in outdoor environments as well [38,39].…”

The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health

“…In addition, nature relatedness is associated with higher levels of selfreported personal growth (Pritchard et al, 2020), enhanced psychological functioning (Sobko et al, 2018) and resilience (Ingulli and Lindbloom, 2013). Nature relatedness is also associated with physical activity (Puhakka et al, 2018), which is linked to good mental health (Saxena et al, 2005;Taylor et al, 1985). While nature relatedness is associated with a broad range of psychological benefits, it may be associated with modern health worries perceived to result from living in artificial environments (Dömötör et al, 2017).…”