Examining the Barriers to and Experiences of Nature Exposure

Why are we doing this research?

Undergraduate student mental health is a rising concern. Within the context of the global mental health crisis, mental health services for undergraduates are limited. Accessible, affordable, and effective treatments and preventative approaches are needed to address these challenges. Previous research has demonstrated nature exposure’s benefits on mental health.
 

What did this research project examine?
We investigated the barriers and experiences of nature exposure in undergraduate students using a novel virtual intervention, “Nature Matters”.  

 What did we find?
Consistent with prior research and our hypotheses, undergraduates identified key barriers to nature exposure, including a lack of spare time, insufficient knowledge on how to access nature, and unfavourable weather conditions. Additionally, as expected, a brief virtual nature exposure had a positive effect on undergraduates’ perceptions of their current states (e.g., emotions, bodily sensations, and thoughts).