Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 54633

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Riikka Puhakka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme
Interests: outdoor recreation; nature-based tourism; well-being; relationship with nature

Dr. Kati Pitkänen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Finnish Environment Institute, Environmental Policy Centre
Interests: leisure geographies; second home tourism; outdoor recreation; nature-based integration

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nature contacts are increasingly recognized as positively contributing to our psychological, social, and physiological wellbeing and health. Green spaces are restorative, and interacting with nature has positive effects on emotions and behavior. Exposure to nature settings also has positive effects on concentration and academic performance. Natural environments and shared nature experiences provide an opportunity for social interaction and strengthening bonds within families and communities. In terms of physiological benefits, natural settings alleviate the negative effects of various stressors in urban environments, for instance. Contact with diverse environmental microbiota also affects the human commensal microbiota and drives effective functioning of the immune system.

Outdoor recreation has become increasingly crucial in providing nature contacts in urbanized societies with decreasing capacities for everyday connection with nature. The public use of natural areas has changed from one of subsistence to that of recreation where natural environments are valued for the aesthetic and recreational experiences they afford. The forms and contexts of outdoor recreation are manifold, covering everything from walking a dog in a nearby park to geocaching, second homes or skydiving off a mountain top on the other side of the world.

In this Special Issue, we are looking for high-quality multidisciplinary research articles and reviews that focus on the well-being and health impacts of outdoor recreation. Research can target any user group and context and any form of outdoor recreation in natural settings. Both quantitative and qualitative research papers as well as theoretical contributions are welcome.

Dr. Riikka Puhakka
Dr. Kati Pitkänen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

outdoor recreation
nature-based tourism
wellbeing
health
national parks
urban parks
outdoor activities

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a Health Promotion Program for Unmarried Mothers Living in Residential Facilities Using Urban Forests: An Intervention Mapping Approach Based on the Transtheoretical Model

by Kyung-Sook Bang, Sungjae Kim, Gumhee Lee, Sinyoung Choi, Da-Ae Shin and Misook Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8684; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168684 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2506

Abstract

Unmarried mothers living in residential facilities (UMLFs) in Korea face complex and challenging physical, psychological, and socioeconomic issues. This study developed a physical and mental health promotion program using urban forests for UMLFs based on the transtheoretical model and evidence. We utilized an intervention mapping approach (IMA) and assessed the needs of UMLFs by analyzing previous quantitative studies. Moreover, we conducted a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study involving nine participants. Based on the needs assessment, important and changeable determinants were identified; further, the program performance and change objectives were classified to achieve the program goals and establish the intervention strategy. We found that physical activity using forests, self-reflection using metaphors, five-sense activities, achievement activities using natural objects, building interpersonal relationships in the forest, and designing future plans, are desirable methods for improving the health of UMLFs. The IMA was deemed appropriate for the systematic development of health promotion programs for UMLFs through clear links among change objectives, theoretical methods, and practice strategies. These results should be applied to future intervention studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

25 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Analysis of UK Wetland Visitor Centres as a Health Resource

by Jonathan P. Reeves, Conor H. D. John, Kevin A. Wood and Phoebe R. Maund

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168629 - 15 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4752

Abstract

The health benefits associated with spending time in natural environments have been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions to safeguard public health have exacerbated the pre-existing mental health crisis and rise of non-communicable diseases. Thus, the importance of nature as a health resource has been elevated, hastening calls for a better understanding of how health benefits might differ across user groups and nature provisions. In this regard, urban green spaces have become the greatest research focus; however, blue spaces, especially inland freshwater (e.g., wetlands), remain less studied. First-hand user experiences are also under-represented. This exploratory study examines the motivations and benefits of active wetland centre users in the UK, both during and after visits. Responses to three open-ended questions were collated online from 385 participants, and a qualitative content analysis was conducted based on an existing taxonomy from users of urban green spaces. The results showed strong motivations to visit due to the biodiversity at the site (mainly the birdlife), while less tangible nature (e.g., fresh air) and amenities were also important. In contrast to other studies on natural environments, physical activity was a less influential motivation. Salient derived effects included positive and intensely positive emotions, relaxation and mental restoration. After visits to wetland centres, feelings of vitality and satisfaction were the most prominent effects that emerged. For decision-makers looking to leverage inland blue spaces for public health benefit, our results highlight the broad range and relative prominence of the reasons for use and the associated perceived health benefits derived by users of UK wetland centres. They highlight how biodiversity, abiotic nature and good amenities are important qualities to consider when planning, managing and encouraging people to use natural environments for health benefit, qualities that may also provide important environmental co-benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electroencephalogram Application for the Analysis of Stress Relief in the Seasonal Landscape

by Yuting Wang and Ming Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168522 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3015

Abstract

This study proposes an integrated approach to assess the psychological and physiological responses of people in natural seasonal landscapes. The questionnaire of restoration outcomes scale (ROS), willingness to visit (WTV), cultural ecosystem services (CES) cognitive classification, and the neuroscientific technique based on electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements were applied. The effects of different landscapes on human perception were studied by comparing the EEG data of different landscape types and different seasons. The coupling relationship between EEG data and stress recovery was also examined. The results showed the following: First, there was a significant difference between the winter landscape and the summer natural landscape. Second, only the winter landscape showed significant gender differences. Third, the values of ROS and WTV in the summer landscape were greater than those in the winter landscape. Fourth, the number of CES in the summer landscape was significantly higher than that in the winter landscape, and the number of CES in water was higher than that in the forest and grassland. Thus, brain wave data and quantified values from questionnaires including ROS, WTV, and CES showed significant seasonality. Therefore, an EEG can be used as a new, more objective tool and method for landscape evaluation and planning in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outdoor Recreation for Older Adults in Scotland: Qualitatively Exploring the Multiplicity of Constraints to Participation

by Margaret Currie, Kathryn Colley and Katherine N. Irvine

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147705 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3419

Abstract

Active ageing can lead to better health outcomes in older people. Examining constraints to outdoor recreation for older people, including outdoor physical activity, may therefore assist with developing strategies for active ageing. Findings are presented from a study seeking to understand the constraints to older peoples’ access to outdoor recreation in Scotland, and this paper aimed to examine the multitude of constraints that discourage or prevent older people from accessing the outdoors and the ways in which these constraints are hierarchical (or not). This paper adopted a qualitative methodology using the hierarchical leisure constraints model (HLCM) as a lens to analyse the data, presenting the data in three vignettes. The paper identified multiple co-occurring constraints and considered these in relation to expectations based on the HLCM. Recognising that constraints to outdoor recreation for older people are multiple, co-occurring and mutually reinforcing may enable more effective solutions to be developed to overcome them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

13 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Brief Exposure to Green Space in School the Best Option to Improve Attention in Children?

by Asier Anabitarte, Gonzalo García-Baquero, Ainara Andiarena, Nerea Lertxundi, Nerea Urbieta, Izaro Babarro, Jesús Ibarluzea and Aitana Lertxundi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7484; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147484 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4187

Abstract

The positive effects of Green Spaces on health are thought to be achieved through the mechanisms of mitigation, instoration and restoration. One of the benefits of Green Spaces may be the restoration of attention and so the objective of this research is testing empirically whether exposure to a green environment improves attention in school children. For so doing, we first used a split-unit statistical design in each of four schools, then combined the primary results via meta-analysis. The Attention Network Test (ANT) was used to measure attention before and after exposure and a total of 167 seven-year-old students participated in the experiments. Overall, our experimental results do not support the hypothesis that students’ exposure to activities in green vs. grey spaces affected their performance in ANT. This was so despite the fact that neither age nor gender biases have been detected and despite that our experiments have been proved to be sufficiently statistically powerful. It would be advisable to consider air pollution and noise. We also recommend that participants attend the experiment with mental exhaustion to maximize the ability to detect significant changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Nature Connection and Positive Affect in Children through Mindful Engagement with Natural Environments

by Alexia Barrable, David Booth, Dylan Adams and Gary Beauchamp

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4785; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094785 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6485

Abstract

Nature connection, which describes a positive relationship between humans and the rest of nature, has been recognised as a worthwhile goal of all education. Given its association with wellbeing, as well as the fact that it can predict ecological behaviours in children, there have been several calls for it to become central to environmental education, and an important tool in tackling climate change. Previous research has reported the success of short-term interventions in increasing nature connection in children, but to date no empirical studies have looked at how mindful engagement with nature can promote both nature connection and positive affect. This study took place in a nature reserve in Wales and included n = 74 children, aged 9–10, who took part in three mindful activities. Pre- and post- measures included nature connection and positive/negative affect. Analysis showed a significant small to medium effect of the activity on nature connection. Moreover, positive affect significantly increased post-activity, while negative affect showed a small decrease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Rural Second Homes Shape Commensal Microbiota of Urban Dwellers? A Pilot Study among Urban Elderly in Finland

by Mika Saarenpää, Marja I. Roslund, Riikka Puhakka, Mira Grönroos, Anirudra Parajuli, Nan Hui, Noora Nurminen, Olli H. Laitinen, Heikki Hyöty, Ondrej Cinek, Aki Sinkkonen and the ADELE Research Group

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073742 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3312

Abstract

According to the hygiene and biodiversity hypotheses, increased hygiene levels and reduced contact with biodiversity can partially explain the high prevalence of immune-mediated diseases in developed countries. A disturbed commensal microbiota, especially in the gut, has been linked to multiple immune-mediated diseases. Previous studies imply that gut microbiota composition is associated with the everyday living environment and can be modified by increasing direct physical exposure to biodiverse materials. In this pilot study, the effects of rural-second-home tourism were investigated on the gut microbiota for the first time. Rural-second-home tourism, a popular form of outdoor recreation in Northern Europe, North America, and Russia, has the potential to alter the human microbiota by increasing exposure to nature and environmental microbes. The hypotheses were that the use of rural second homes is associated with differences in the gut microbiota and that the microbiota related to health benefits are more diverse or common among the rural-second-home users. Based on 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq sequencing of stool samples from 10 urban elderly having access and 15 lacking access to a rural second home, the first hypothesis was supported: the use of rural second homes was found to be associated with lower gut microbiota diversity and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway levels. The second hypothesis was not supported: health-related microbiota were not more diverse or common among the second-home users. The current study encourages further research on the possible health outcomes or causes of the observed microbiological differences. Activities and diet during second-home visits, standard of equipment, surrounding environment, and length of the visits are all postulated to play a role in determining the effects of rural-second-home tourism on the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Adolescent Girls’ Well-Being in the Arctic—Finding What Motivates Spending Time in Nature

by Varpu Wiens, Kari Soronen, Helvi Kyngäs and Tarja Pölkki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042052 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4733

Abstract

Background: According to previous studies, the natural environment positively influences well-being, including that of adolescent girls. However, knowledge is lacking on what motivates adolescent girls to spend time in nature. A secondary analysis of qualitative data was conducted employing three preexisting sets of interview data that had formed the basis of previously published research reports. A novel perspective on what motivates adolescent girls in the Arctic to spend time in nature was uncovered—a finding that previous articles have not reported. Aim: The aim was to describe what motivates adolescent girls in the Arctic to spend time in nature. Methods: The participants were adolescent girls aged 13 to 16 living in the province of Finnish Lapland. The girls wrote about well-being (n = 117) and were interviewed (n = 19) about the meaning of seasonal changes, nature and animals’ influence on well-being. Also, five focus group interviews (n = 17) were held. The materials were analyzed by inductive content analysis. Results: After the secondary analysis, three generic categories were found: (1) wanting to have pleasant emotions, (2) the possibility of participating in activities and (3) a desire to feel better. The main category of “need to experience positive sensations” was formed. Conclusion: Based on these results, through personalized guidance and advice, it is possible to strengthen adolescent girls’ willingness to spend time in nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Perceived Restorativeness of Differently Managed Forests and Its Association with Forest Qualities and Individual Variables: A Field Experiment

by Jenni Simkin, Ann Ojala and Liisa Tyrväinen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020422 - 7 Jan 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5084

Abstract

Despite increasing research knowledge about the positive well-being effects forests have on citizens, it is still unclear how the quality of forests and individual variables effect the well-being. This research investigated (1) the differences in restorative experiences (components being away, fascination, compatibility and extent, measured by perceived restorativeness (PRS)), and (2) how people evaluate forest qualities in four differently managed forests. Furthermore, this research studied (3) which individual variables (4) as well as forest qualities, explain the overall restorative experience (PRS-score from all components). Altogether, 66 volunteers were taken in small groups to each of the four forest sites once, after their day at work. The participants viewed the forests for 15 min and then walked inside the forests for 30 min. Their perceived restorativeness and perceptions about forest qualities were measured on-site after each visit. Most of the components of PRS differed between the three older forests compared to the young forest. The three older forests also had more preferred qualities, compared to the young commercial forest. From the individual variables, the nature relatedness positively explained the restorative experiences (PRS-score) in old-growth forest and in mature commercial forest. Beauty was the most important quality that explained PRS-score in all forests. Biodiversity positively explained the PRS-score, except in urban recreation forest. However, not all forest qualities need to be present in order to reach high perceived restorativeness and both a pristine or managed old forest can have high restorative values. Also, decaying wood does not seem to diminish forests’ restorative values, but there may be individual differences in its acceptance. Therefore, a greater attention to the overall versatility is needed when managing the forest used for outdooring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health and Well-Being in Protected Natural Areas—Visitors’ Satisfaction in Three Different Protected Natural Area Categories in Catalonia, Spain

by Estela Inés Farías-Torbidoni, Sebastià Mas-Alòs, Gonzalo Gil-Moreno-de-Mora, Pere Lavega-Burgués, Marta Castañer, Eloisa Lorente-Catalán, Jordi Seguí-Urbaneja and Enric Lacasa-Claver

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186746 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3130

Abstract

Protected natural areas (PNAs) can be a source of health and well-being, but little research has been carried out regarding outcomes in terms of satisfaction (the difference between motivations and benefits). Inspired by previous research that examines the motivations and benefits perceived by visitors to various PNAs in Canada, and based on importance–performance analysis (IPA) and service quality gap (GAP) analysis theory, the aim of this study was to identify the outcomes generated by protected areas in terms of satisfaction, especially with regard to the PNAs’ individual protection categories. The study was based on survey data from visitors (n = 360) to three PNAs in Catalonia: one national park, one natural park and one periurban park. The results indicate that anticipated environmental, psychological, physical and social benefits were of major personal value in choosing to visit a PNA. The results indicate that, generally, visitors were satisfied with regard to the benefits anticipated. Differences between parks in this respect could be explained in part by sociodemographic factors and visitors’ behavior. The results are discussed in terms of their applicability and how they relate to the role of PNAs in the promotion of visitors’ health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healthy Water-Based Tourism Experiences: Their Contribution to Quality of Life, Satisfaction and Loyalty

by Ana María Campón-Cerro, Elide Di-Clemente, José Manuel Hernández-Mogollón and José Antonio Folgado-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061961 - 17 Mar 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5867

Abstract

The scientific literature on tourism identifies two driving trends: the quest for experientiality and the growing connection between holidays and quality of life. The present research focuses on water-based activities practiced with a healthy purpose, capable of driving positive economic, social and environmental effects on the territory where this type of tourism is developed. Considering the growing demand of experiential tourism, it is important to assess the experiential value of these practices and their impact on the quality of life, satisfaction and loyalty. A sample of 184 customers of thermal spas and similar establishments was used to test the structural model proposed, employing the partial least squares technique. The results show the experiential value of healthy water-based activities and confirm their positive impact on the individuals’ quality of life, satisfaction and loyalty towards both the experience and the destination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessReview

How do Rural Second Homes Affect Human Health and Well-being? Review of Potential Impacts

by Kati Pitkänen, Jenni Lehtimäki and Riikka Puhakka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186748 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6142

Abstract

Contact with nature is associated with numerous psychological, physiological and social health and well-being benefits. Outdoor recreation, such as rural second home tourism, provides extensive exposure to the natural environment, but research around health impacts of this exposure is scattered. We review current research on health and well-being impacts of nature and discuss how the characteristics of rural second home environments and their use and users can affect these potential impacts in Finland. We discover four key issues affecting the impacts. First, health and well-being impacts depend on the users; urban people can especially benefit from rural second homes, while child development and the performance of elderly people can also be supported by contact with nature at second homes. Second, the regularity, length and season of second home visits influence the potential to receive benefits as they have an impact on the intensity of nature exposure. Third, the type and quality of second home environment affect contact with nature, such as exposure to health-supporting environmental microbes. Fourth, practices, motives and meanings modify activities and attachment and crucially affect both physical and mental well-being. We conclude that rural second homes have extensive potential to provide nature-related health and well-being benefits and further research is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Well-Being and Health Impacts of Outdoor Recreation in Natural Settings

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI