The relationship between physical activity environment, mental wellbeing, flourishing and thriving: A mixed method...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Public Health
• Sport Science

Background:

• Mental wellbeing is crucial for a high quality of life, longevity, and overall health.
• High mental wellbeing is characterized by flourishing, thriving, meaning, purpose, and social connection.
• Nature-based physical activity offers unique mental wellbeing benefits beyond general physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the physical activity environment and gender moderate the link between activity time and mental wellbeing.
• To explore the specific contributions of different physical activity settings (indoor, outdoor non-nature, outdoor nature-based) to mental wellbeing.
• To understand the mechanisms through which nature-based physical activity enhances mental wellbeing.

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods design with 235 participants aged 18-76.
• Online survey categorizing participants by preferred physical activity environment: indoor, outdoor non-nature-based, and outdoor nature-based.
• Moderation analyses to examine environmental and gender effects; qualitative data for in-depth insights.

Main Results:

• Physical activity in outdoor nature-based settings showed consistent positive associations with flourishing and thriving.
• Nature-based physical activity significantly predicted mental wellbeing for both males and females.
• Qualitative data indicated benefits derived from positive affect, social connection, purpose, and enhanced experiences in nature.

Conclusions:

• The environment of physical activity is a critical factor for mental wellbeing enhancement.
• Nature-based physical activity is vital for promoting and protecting mental wellbeing.
• Increased provision of nature-based physical activity opportunities across various life domains is recommended.