Many children remember the fun of playing at the beach and exploring the creeks as a part of their childhood. According to a new study, it could also be a great investment in your long-term mental health.
Spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, improve mood and provide other benefits. mental health benefitsYet, despite mounting scientific evidence, many people don’t believe it.
Of course, this is not always the best option. Some people don’t have easy access to the wilderness. While some urban parks and urban forests offer similar benefits they are not for everyone. Not always available, either.
Motivation is a key factor for many. Even when we knew it was possible Give yourself an hourWe may not feel sufficiently compelled to go on a hike through a forest or by a riverbank. Urban environments are filled with distractions and duties that can eat away at our attention.
And as the new study suggests, our varying motivation to visit nature as adults – and thus our varying exposure to the potential health benefits – may be rooted in our youth. This is a positive finding. earlier researchIt is possible to link childhood experiences in nature and adult mental health.
“In an increasingly technologically and industrialized world, understanding how childhood nature experiences relate with well-being later on in life is crucial.” SaysValeria Vitale is the lead author and a Ph.D. candidate from Sapienza University in Rome.
Vitale and her team analyzed data from 16,000 people worldwide and found that adults who were cheerful and in good spirits more often reported having played in or around “blue space” as children. This refers to watery environments such as rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans.
Previous research has found a link between blue spaces and exposure. Better mental healthSimilar to the many benefits of forests, and other vegetated habitats called green spaces.
According to the authors, blue spaces often have trees or other substantial plant life, so “childhood exposure is likely to play an important role in predicting future greenspace visits.” new study write.
This research draws on data from BlueHealth International SurveyAccording to its website, it is a multi-country survey that “focuses on the recreational use and relationship between blue spaces and human health.”
The survey asked respondents to recall their childhood experiences with blue spaces between birth and 16 years. This included details such as when they went, how far it took them, and how they felt about their guardians allowing them to play there.
The participants were also asked about their current lives, including their psychological and emotional well-being in the last two weeks as well as how often they have visited green and blue spaces over the past four weeks.
According to the survey, adults who had more positive childhood memories of blue spaces tend to be more inclined to visit these spaces more often and place more value on them in general. These traits were linked to better mental health as adults.
Intrinsic motivation refers to “the desire for something because it’s pleasurable and valuable, and inherently rewarding.” The researchers write. The study showed that those who saw intrinsic value in the natural world were more likely to visit natural settings and have better mental health.
This is consistent with the previous research. Intrinsic motivation can make a big difference.
Intuition motivation seems to be a key ingredient in creating a positive environment. Interest and engagementResearchers note that it can be a great leisure activity. However, it could also make the activity more enjoyable.
An intrinsically motivated person to do an activity is more relaxed, focused, and less affected by negative emotions than someone motivated extrinsically. Previous research has shown this. Suggestions. This could increase enjoyment and make it a more regular activity.
Vitale: “Our findings suggest that building confidence and familiarity in and around blue spaces as a child may stimulate an inherent joy for nature.” Says“And encourage people to seek recreational nature experiences with beneficial consequences for their adult mental health.”
Parents and guardians must be mindful of the safety and long-term happiness of their children when allowing them to play in water.
“Water settings can pose a danger to children and parents should be careful.” SaysLeanne Martin, postdoctoral associate in research at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health, is co-author.
“This research indicates that children who feel at ease in these settings, and learn skills like swimming, early in their childhood, can reap life-long benefits previously unknown.”
The study was published by The Journal of Environmental Psychology.
