Examining Group Walks in Nature and Multiple Aspects of Well-Being: A Large-Scale Study

By M. Marselle, K. Irvine, S. Warber. Ecopsychology, 2014

102 citations recorded by the source corpus.

Abstract Purpose: Outdoor walking groups can facilitate interaction with nature, social interaction, and physical activity, yet little is known about their efficacy in promoting mental, emotional, and social well-being. National group walk programs are especially underevaluated for these outcomes. The present study sought to identify the mental, emotional, and social well-being benefits from participating in group walks in nature. Design: Drawing on an evaluation of the Walking for Health program in England, a longitudinal study investigated the mental, emotional, and social well-being of individuals who did (Nature Group Walkers) and did not (Non-Group Walkers) attend group walks in nature. Both groups were statistically matched using propensity score matching ( n=1,516). Between-group t tests and multiple regressions were performed to analyze the influence of nature-based group walks on depression, perceived stress, negative affect, positive affect, mental well-being, and social support. Findings: Group walks in nature were associated with significantly lower depression, perceived stress, and negative affect, as well as enhanced positive affect and mental well-being, both before and after controlling for covariates. There were no group differences on social support. In addition, nature-based group walks appear to mitigate the effects of stressful life events on perceived stress and negative affect while synergizing with physical activity to improve positive affect and mental well-being. Originality/Value: The present study identifies the mental and emotional well-being benefits from participation in group walks in nature and offers useful information about the potential health contribution of national outdoor group walk programs. Key Words: Group walks—Nature and health—Depression—Mental well-being—Emotional well-being—Social well-being—Walking.

Subfields: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis, Social Psychology

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/1924f89fa39603190670f722ddc00f18339d36e5

How researchers see this paper

The researchers whose trusted networks rank it highest, strongest advocate first. Every researcher gets a different order.

In Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

1. M. Marselle
2. S. Warber
3. A. Lorenzo-Arribas
4. K. Irvine

In Social Psychology

1. M. Marselle
2. A. Lorenzo-Arribas
3. S. Warber
4. K. Irvine

Citations in the corpus

• Does perceived restorativeness mediate the effects of perceived biodiversity and perceived naturalness on emotional well-being following group walks in nature? (2016, methodology): “The PANAS has been used in previous nature and health studies (Berman et al., 2008; Berman et al., 2012; Marselle et al., 2014; van den Berg & Custers, 2011).”