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Published on: June 19, 2019
Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain Intentional Outdoor Nature Contact Behavior
Manoj Sharma1, Erin Largo-Wight2, Amar Kanekar3
1Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA.
Nature contact, interacting with the outdoors, reduces stress and boosts well-being. The Multi-Theory Model (MTM) explains college students' intentional nature contact, identifying key behavioral and environmental factors for initiation and continuation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Health Behavior Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Nature contact, defined as human interaction with natural elements, is an emerging health behavior.
- Exposure to nature is linked to reduced stress and improved well-being across diverse populations.
- Limited research exists on nature contact's impact and determinants among U.S. college students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing intentional outdoor nature contact behavior among college students.
- To apply the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of health behavior change to understand nature contact.
- To identify determinants for both the initiation and sustenance of nature contact behavior in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 401 college students.
- Validated surveys based on the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) were administered.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine the variance in nature contact behavior.
Main Results:
- Behavioral confidence and physical environment changes significantly predicted the initiation of nature contact (57.5% variance).
- Emotional transformation, practice for change, and social environment changes significantly predicted the sustenance of nature contact (31.0% variance).
- The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) showed a mean score of 21.60 (SD=7.08) in the sample.
Conclusions:
- The Multi-Theory Model (MTM) effectively explains intentional outdoor nature contact behavior in college students.
- MTM provides a practical framework for developing interventions to promote nature contact.
- Targeting behavioral confidence, environmental factors, and social/personal changes can enhance nature contact behaviors.
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