The influence of nature on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Views from New England island residents

Abstract

Researchers are beginning to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on island populations, but little is known about the experiences of the residents of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard in the Northeast region of the United States. In this study, islanders (N=41) provide insight into how spending time in nature influenced their well-being, especially their mental well-being, during this unprecedented time. For the majority of participants, the influence of nature on their well-being increased during the pandemic. Additionally, participants shared benefits of island living such as isolation from the mainland, as well as challenges such as food and supply shortages. Results from this study indicate that further research is needed around the importance of nature on well-being, especially mental health, for island residents.

Island Blue Spaces: A Deeper Exploration

“…The importance of nature was strongly supported in the ndings, as noted by participants' overwhelmingly selecting access to nature as the most important in uence on their decision to live on an island, as well as the most frequently cited favorite part of living on an island. These ndings echo previous research about the signi cant role that nature plays in these islanders' lives (Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023). The bene ts from having access to these natural spaces can hold many bene ts for islanders' overall well-being, including their mental, physical, socio-emotional, and spiritual well-being (Coleman & Kearns, 2015;Klinger, 2015;Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023;Nicholas, 2014;Satariano, 2019;Wheeler et al, 2012;White et al, 2020).…”

“…This study builds upon previous research and focuses on how living on an island in development. Similar types of comparisons were found in a study related to the pandemic and gratitude for being isolated from the mainland and having access to the vast spaces in nature for exercise and socializing safely with friends and family (Kras & Keenan, 2023). This study expands on the research by exploring residents' comparisons of island versus non-island life.…”

“…This is an area of importance especially as "gentri cation and coastal transformation are accelerating in New England as it is in most coastal areas of the US" (Clark et al, 2017, p.36). The impact that tourists have on New England Island life was referenced by participants in earlier studies, but further investigation is needed (Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023).…”

“…Participants in this purposeful sample were initially identi ed through two previous studies with residents from the three New England Islands (Kras & Keenan, 2021, Kras & Keenan, 2023. Former study participants were provided the option to anonymously submit their email addresses if they would like to be contacted to participate in future studies on this topic.…”

“…An electronic questionnaire was developed by the primary researcher based on ndings from two previous studies with this population and a review of the literature about coastal and island communities (Kras & Keenan, 2021;Kras & Keenan, 2023;Satariano, 2019). A draft questionnaire was reviewed by four academic researchers not connected to the study for validity and clarity.…”