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Natural Environments and Childhood Experiences Promoting Physical Activity, Examining the Mediational Effects of Feelings about Nature and Social Networks

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  • Giovanna Calogiuri

    (Department of Dental Care and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hedmark University College, Hamarveien 112, 2411 Elverum, Norway)

Abstract

The importance of natural environments (NEs) for physical activity (PA) has been studied extensively. However, there is scant evidence to explain the motivational processes underlying the NE-PA relation. The aim of this study was to investigate the NE-PA relation using an ecological framework, focusing on perception of NEs, childhood experiences and possible intra- and inter-individual mediators. Data were retrieved from a cross-sectional survey among 2168 adults from all over Norway. In addition, the coverage of NEs by municipalities was retrieved from national registers. Logistic regression showed that, unlike the self-reported proximity to NEs, higher ratings of perceived supportiveness of NEs for PA predicted participation in NE-based PA for at least 60 min/week or 150 min/week, before and after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. Reporting frequent experiences in nature during childhood was also an important predictor of higher levels of NE-based PA. Furthermore, a mediational analysis showed that the effect of both predictors was mediated by “feelings about nature” and “social networks”. These findings indicate that to encourage the use of local NE for PA, not only should environmental perceptions be taken into account, positive feelings towards nature alongside opportunities to share activity in nature with others should also be promoted.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanna Calogiuri, 2016. "Natural Environments and Childhood Experiences Promoting Physical Activity, Examining the Mediational Effects of Feelings about Nature and Social Networks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:4:p:439-:d:68689
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    1. Yang Zhang & Terry Van Dijk & Jianjun Tang & Agnes E. van den Berg, 2015. "Green Space Attachment and Health: A Comparative Study in Two Urban Neighborhoods," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-22, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Myriam Preuß & Mark Nieuwenhuijsen & Sandra Marquez & Marta Cirach & Payam Dadvand & Margarita Triguero-Mas & Christopher Gidlow & Regina Grazuleviciene & Hanneke Kruize & Wilma Zijlema, 2019. "Low Childhood Nature Exposure is Associated with Worse Mental Health in Adulthood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Amber L. Pearson & Ross Bottomley & Tim Chambers & Lukar Thornton & James Stanley & Moira Smith & Michelle Barr & Louise Signal, 2017. "Measuring Blue Space Visibility and ‘Blue Recreation’ in the Everyday Lives of Children in a Capital City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-12, May.
    3. Lars Even Egner & Stefan Sütterlin & Giovanna Calogiuri, 2020. "Proposing a Framework for the Restorative Effects of Nature through Conditioning: Conditioned Restoration Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-18, September.
    4. Jorge H. Amorim & Magnuz Engardt & Christer Johansson & Isabel Ribeiro & Magnus Sannebro, 2021. "Regulating and Cultural Ecosystem Services of Urban Green Infrastructure in the Nordic Countries: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-19, January.
    5. Giovanna Calogiuri & Grete G. Patil & Geir Aamodt, 2016. "Is Green Exercise for All? A Descriptive Study of Green Exercise Habits and Promoting Factors in Adult Norwegians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, November.
    6. Giovanna Calogiuri & Lewis R. Elliott, 2017. "Why Do People Exercise in Natural Environments? Norwegian Adults’ Motives for Nature-, Gym-, and Sports-Based Exercise," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, April.
    7. Samantha Keaulana & Melissa Kahili-Heede & Lorinda Riley & Mei Linn N. Park & Kuaiwi Laka Makua & Jetney Kahaulahilahi Vegas & Mapuana C. K. Antonio, 2021. "A Scoping Review of Nature, Land, and Environmental Connectedness and Relatedness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-30, May.
    8. Juuli-Mari Kokkonen & Henna Vepsäläinen & Anna Abdollahi & Hanna Paasio & Samuli Ranta & Maijaliisa Erkkola & Eva Roos & Carola Ray, 2021. "Associations between Parent–Child Nature Visits and Sleep, Physical Activity and Weight Status among Finnish 3–6-Year-Olds," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-11, November.
    9. Claudia Fongar & Geir Aamodt & Thomas B. Randrup & Ingjerd Solfjeld, 2019. "Does Perceived Green Space Quality Matter? Linking Norwegian Adult Perspectives on Perceived Quality to Motivation and Frequency of Visits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-16, July.

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