Journal article
Mechanisms underlying childhood exposure to blue spaces and adult subjective well-being: An 18-country analysis
Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol.84, pp.1-22
2022
Abstract
Contact with natural environments is associated with good health and well-being. Although childhood nature experiences may be important in the development of an individual's relationship with nature and subsequent well-being, previous studies have tended to focus on ‘nature’ in general, and the mechanisms by which childhood experiences influence well-being in adulthood remain insufficiently studied. Drawing on cross-sectional survey data from an 18-country sample (N = 15,743) the current work extended previous research by examining: a) blue spaces (coasts, rivers, lakes, etc.) in particular; b) associations between adults' recalled childhood exposure to blue spaces, frequency of recent visits to green and blues spaces, and adult subjective well-being; c) the role of childhood exposure to blue spaces on intrinsic motivations to spend time in nature; and d) the consistency of these relationships across different countries. Tests of a model where childhood exposure to blue spaces was linked to adult subjective well-being serially through intrinsic motivation and then recent blue and green space visits exhibited a good fit, a pattern largely consistent across all 18 countries. However, an alternative model where recent visits predicted intrinsic motivation also demonstrated good fit, indicating that these processes may be iterative. Building familiarity with and confidence in and around blue spaces in childhood may stimulate a joy of, and greater propensity to spend recreational time in, nature in adulthood, with positive consequences for adult subjective well-being.
Details
- Title
- Mechanisms underlying childhood exposure to blue spaces and adult subjective well-being: An 18-country analysis
- Authors
- Valeria Vitale (Corresponding Author) - University of ViennaLeanne Martin (Author) - University of ExeterMathew P. White (Author) - University of ViennaLewis R. Elliott (Author) - University of ExeterKayleigh J. Wyles (Author) - University of PlymouthMatthew H. E. M. Browning (Author) - Clemson UniversitySabine Pahl (Author) - University of ViennaPatricia Stehl (Author) - University of ViennaSimon Bell (Author) - Estonian University of Life SciencesGregory N. Bratman (Author) - University of WashingtonMireia Gascon (Author) - Pompeu Fabra UniversityJames Grellier (Author) - University of ExeterMaria L. Lima (Author) - Iscte – Instituto Universitário de LisboaMare Lõhmus (Author) - Karolinska Institutet InnovationsMark Nieuwenhuijsen (Author) - Pompeu Fabra UniversityAnn Ojala (Author) - Natural Resources Institute FinlandJane Taylor (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyMatilda van den Bosch (Author) - Pompeu Fabra UniversityNetta Weinstein (Author) - University of ReadingLora E. Fleming (Author) - University of Exeter
- Publication details
- Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol.84, pp.1-22
- Publisher
- Academic Press
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101876
- ISSN
- 1522-9610
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Public Health; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99678896902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Studies
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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