I Asked 11 People How Nature Impacts Their Well-Being. Here's What I Found.
As humans, we are part of nature's web of life, not separate from it. This idea, known as biophilia, is the belief that we have an innate tendency to seek connection with nature. It’s why a walk in the woods can feel so restorative, or why caring for a plant can bring us joy.
Building on this, I conducted a qualitative research study to answer a specific question: What are people's beliefs and perceptions regarding nature-based activities and their impact on psychological and spiritual well-being?
I recruited 11 people through social media and had them answer a detailed survey. I then conducted in-depth follow-up interviews with three of them to get richer insights. Here are the most fascinating findings.
The Key Findings: How We Connect with Nature
The results were clear: engaging in nature-based activities has a significant impact on mood, relationships, sense of self, and our connection to the divine.
100% of participants reported using nature as a way to cope with daily stressors and/or overcome traumatic life events.
75% of participants reported that spending time in nature allows them to connect with their spirit, soul, or a higher being.
58% of participants reported that it helps them connect with other people on a deeper, more personal level.
Perceptions Are Deeply Personal
One of the most interesting takeaways was that our personal values strongly influence how we perceive nature.
Participants over 30 often focused on the physical health benefits, saying it helps them "maintain good health" and "stay fit."
Participants with strong religious affiliations perceived nature through their religious ideologies, with comments like "God created all of this."
Participants with strong spiritual affiliations frequently reported experiencing non-duality and feeling "one with the universe."
Surprising Insights and Lingering Questions
The study also revealed a few unexpected things:
Nature Can Be a Source of Anxiety: Some participants who hiked infrequently reported feeling nervous or uncertain before the activity, though the feeling subsided afterward. This suggests that for some, the anticipation of engaging in nature can be anxiety-provoking.
Nature as a "Privilege": Many participants viewed activities like hiking as a "reward" or something to do in their "spare time," indicating that for many, especially in urban areas, accessing nature isn't seen as a priority but as a special, less-accessible activity.
A One-Way Relationship: While participants clearly articulated how nature benefited them, there was no discussion about how their presence benefited nature. This highlights a potentially one-sided view of our relationship with the environment.
This study, while small, confirmed that our connection to nature is a powerful force for psychological and spiritual health, but that our individual experiences are shaped by our values, our access, and even our anxieties.
References
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Johnson, L. (2021). Ecotherapy. Live wild: Connecting people with nature.
Lu, S., Zhao, Y., Liu, J., Xu, F., Wang, Z. (2021). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy in people with schizophrenia: A systemic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(964).
Lyons, E. and Coyle, A. (2016). Analysing Qualitative Data in Psychology. SAGE Publications Ltd.
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