THE IMPACT OF NATURE ACTIVITIES ON FAMILY HEALTH AND WELL BEING

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1007220
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2015
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2020
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
URBANA,IL 61801

Performing Department
Human And Community Development

Non Technical Summary
This project will explore the short and long-term individual and family health benefits of nature-based activities using (a) Attention Restoration Theory, which shows how certain types of behavioral settings have different effects on restored attention, and (b) Routines and Rituals Frameworkwhich predicts greater developmental benefits of certain types of ritualized experiences over one-time experiences. The project will investigate the relationship between the natural environment and family health over three years in two complementary studies. Study 1 will determine if there is a relationship between participation in a family-based nature activity and individual and family outcomes. Study 2 will explore the patterns of participation in nature-based activities among rural families and examine links with indicators of individual and family health and well-being. This research will advance our understanding of the processes that contribute to both individual and family health and well-being and will have implications for policies and practices focused on promoting health at the individual, family, and community levels.Although studies reveal that family leisure time can contribute to improved family functioning, family resilience, and increased satisfaction with family life, little is known about the health benefits of family leisure in nature. Past research on family outdoor recreation primarily focused on therapy and adventure challenge programs, and is not well represented in peer-reviewed journals. Family-based nature activities (FBNA) refers to "outdoor recreation (e.g., camping, fishing, hiking), utilization of natural environments (e.g., parks, gardens, backyard), and family vacations in natural areas (e.g., visiting a forest preserve, national park, beach) with two or more family members". Further examination of the relationship between FBNA and health is needed as FBNA may have the potential to contribute to increased family cohesivenessmore so than other types of leisure contexts.Furthermore, the majority of research in the last few decades has focused on the health benefits of nature-based activities for individuals in urban populations, which has contributed to the current national push for increased access to nature in urban communities through efforts such as the "Cities Promoting Access to Nature" Initiativeand "Nature in the City" programs. There has been little research or practice focused on the health benefits of nature exposure for rural populations. Rural populations are more likely than urban residents to experience health disparities, especially in regards to chronic health conditions. Because access to green spaces can play a vital role in reducing health inequalities, it is increasingly important to study rural families' use of natural environments.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

50%

Applied

50%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
802	6020	3070	100%

Knowledge Area
802 - Human Development and Family Well-Being;

Subject Of Investigation
6020 - The family and its members;

Field Of Science
3070 - Psychology;

Keywords

nature participation

family health

family well-being

cognitive restoration

family cohesion

family-based nature activities

leisure activities

Goals / Objectives
1. To examine whether the restorative effects of nature observed in studies of individuals are (a) replicated when a parent and child experience nature together, and (b) whether joint nature experiences result in more positive family interactions compared to joint experiences in other settings.2. To examine routine and ritualized participation in family-based nature activities among rural families with pre-teen children in terms of (a) general patterns of participation in family based nature activities, (b) family and community factors that determine patterns of participation, (c) relationships between participation in FBNAs and indicators of physical and psychological health of parents and children, and (d) relationships between participation in FBNAs and perceptions of family cohesion and well-being.

Project Methods
Study 1. Using a repeated-measures experimental design, 30 mother-daughter (10-12 years old) family dyads will participate in two different environmental treatments - walking outdoors in nature at a park and walking at an indoor mall. The order of exposure will be randomly determined. Before each treatment, participants will individually complete an assessment of mood and an attention task. After each treatment, participants will individually complete post-test assessments of mood and attention, followed by a joint family interaction task that will be videotaped for later coding. Video will be coded for indicators of cohesiveness, positive affect, and negativity and conflict. Statistical analyses will examine: (a) whether attentional functioning is higher in mothers and youth after exposure to natural settings versus exposure to an indoor setting; (b) whether spending time in natural settings results in more positive family interactions than time spent in indoor settings; (c) whether increased attentional functioning predicts more positive family interaction; and (d) whether families that spend more time in nature demonstrate more positive family interactions after spending time in natural settings than families who rarely spend time in nature.Study 2. Two hundred children (10-12 years old) and at least one parent from rural Illinois communities will be recruited to complete an online or paper-and-pencil survey, with families (or parent-child pairs) serving as the unit of analysis. Measures will assess the most common outdoor leisure activities families enjoy, with detailed measures of: (a) the frequency of participation in the activities; (b) the perceived restorativeness of each activity; (c) accessibility to settings for each activity; and (d) open-ended assessments of the advantages and disadvantages of each activity. Other measures will assess family cohesion and communication and physical and emotional health. Analyses will focus on: (a) identifying and describing the types of activities and specific settings that make up family-based nature activities (FBNAs) for rural families; (b) identifying factors that determine the selection of specific activities and settings in terms of resources and effort required, cost, and other aspects of accessibility as well as preference; (c) examining whether more frequent ritualized FBNAs are related to better physical and psychological health among children and parents; and (d) examining whether more frequent ritualized FBNAs are related to more positive reports of family cohesion and communication by children and parents.

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:To address the second goal of the project, two cohorts of parents of ten to twelve year olds from two rural Illinois communities were recruited to participate in the study. After screening for eligibility, data was collected from 53 families. In the pasty year, follow-up data on 50 families were collected. Changes/Problems:For Study 2, the original plan called for a larger sample of families for a cross-sectional study. Given school closures and community shutdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a new cohort ofd families would have yielded families under quite different (and potentially stressful) conditions. Instead, we opted to conduct a longititudinal follow-up of families who had participated previously. The follow up survey included questions similar to the first survey, but also included questions about changes that were experienced as a result of COVID-19 and how that may have affected family activities. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Undergraduate and graduate students were recruited and trained to create articles for an outreach-focused website (seedissemination section) and to manage a social media strategy using Facebook and Instagram. A new first-year graduate student was recruited and trained to conduct longitudinal survey research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An outreach program has been developed for online dissemination of results (http://humansinnature.org) as part of a strategythat also includes using social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram) to encourage individuals and families to spend time outside.A team of undergraduate and graduate students focus on informing and inspiring people using written articles, short videos,and shared social media posts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The first goal was accomplished. Study 1 found that exposure to nature was more cognitively restorative than exposure toindoor settings for mothers, which replicated previous results of studies of individual exposure. The effect of settings fordaughters was not significant; walking in any setting with mothers restored cognitive functioning equally. Interactions betweenmothers and daughters were more cohesive and positive following exposure to nature compared to interactions afterexposure to indoor settings. Additional analyses have highlighted the reasons that mothers and daughters spend timeoutdoors, the benefits they obtain from being outside, and the challenges that prevent them from spending more time outside.Results have been presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journal articles. After an initial delay and slight change in protocol, data collection for Study 2 was completed. After screening for eligibility, data was collected from 53 families with 10-12 year old children from two rural communities. A follow-up survey that included questions about activities in the face of COVID-19 was completed fro 50 families from Time 1.

Publications

Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:To address the second goal of the project, an initial cohort of parents of ten to twelve year olds from two rural Illinois communities were recruited to participate in the study. After screening for eligibility, data was collected from 21 families. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Undergraduate and graduate students were recruited and trained to create articles for an outreach-focused website (see dissemination section) and to manage a social media strategy using Facebook and Instagram. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An outreach program has been developed for online dissemination of results (http://humansinnature.org) as part of a strategy that also includes using social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram) to encourage individuals and families to spend time outside. A team of undergraduate and graduate students focus on informing and inspiring people using written articles, short videos, and shared social media posts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to collect additional data for Study 2 and initiate data analysis.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The first goal was accomplished. Study 1 found that exposure to nature was more cognitively restorative than exposure to indoor settings for mothers, which replicated previous results of studies of individual exposure. The effect of settings for daughters was not significant;walking in any setting with mothers restored cognitive functioning equally. Interactions between mothers and daughters were more cohesive and positive following exposure to nature compared to interactions after exposure to indoor settings. Additional analyses have highlighted the reasons that mothers and daughters spend time outdoors, the benefits they obtain from being outside, and the challenges that prevent them from spending more time outside. Results have been presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journal articles. After an initial delay, progress is being made on the second goal. Survey instruments for Study 2 were developed, community partners were identified, and recruitment from two communities was initiated. After screening for elegibility in our first wave of recruitment, data was collected from 21 families. Additional cohorts of participants will be recruited in the coming year.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A.T. 2019. Why families go outside: An exploration of mothers and daughters family-based nature activities. Leisure Sciences. DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2019.1625293.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A.T. 2018. Perceived health benefits of mothers' and daughters time spent in nature. Paper presented at the annual conference of the National Council on Family Relations, San Diego, CA.

Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems:An extension was requested to make up for delays related to staff health issues. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Undergraduate and graduate students were recruited and trained to create articles for an outreach-focused website (see dissemination section) and to manage a social media strategy using Facebook and Instagram. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An outreach program has been developed for online dissemination of results (http://humansinnature.org) as part of a strategy that also includes using social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram) to encourage individuals and families to spend time outside. A team of undergraduate and graduate students focus on informing and inspiring people using written articles, short videos, and shared social media posts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to complete data collection for Study 2 using the online survey on the coming year, and to complete data analysis.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The first goal was accomplished. Study 1 found that exposure to nature was more cognitively restorative than exposure to indoor settings for mothers, which replicated previous results of studies of individual exposure. The effect of settings for daughters was not significant; walking in any setting with mothers restored cognitive functioning equally. Interactions between mothers and daughters were more cohesive and positive following exposure to nature compared to interactions after exposure to indoor settings. Additional analyses have highlighted the reasons that mothers and daughters spend time outdoors, the benefits they obtain from being outside, and the challenges that prevent them from spending more time outside, Progress is being made on the second goal but has been delayed. Survey instruments for Study 2 has been developed, community partners were identified, and recruitment from two communities was initiated. Processes to manage the problem of "survey bots" attacking the online screening survey were developed and implemented.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Izenstark, S. and Ebata, A.T. 2018. Perceived Health Benefits of Mothers' and Daughters Time Spent in Nature. Paper presented at the meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, San Diego, CA.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2019 Citation: Izenstark,S. and Ebata, A.T. 2019. Why Families Go Outside: An Exploration of Mothers' and Daughters' Family-Based Nature Activities. (Under Review).
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Humans in Nature Website (humansinnature.org).
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Family Activities and Health Website (go.illinois.edu/familyactivities).

Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Research participants consisted of 28 mother-daughter dyads. Mothers ranged in age from 27-55 years old (M = 40.5) and daughters ranged in age from 10-12 years old (M = 10.66). The race/ethnicity breakdown of mothers was 79% White, 11% African-American, 4% Asian or Asian-American, and 7% multiracial. Fifty-seven percent of mothers were married and 40% had incomes of $75,000 or more. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An outreach program has been developed for online dessemination of results (http://humansinnature.org) that includes using social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram) to encourage individuals and families to spend time outside. Short documentary-style videos and interviews are being developed to disseminate using YouTube and social media. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to complete Study 2 and begin data analysis.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The first goal was accomplished. Study 1 found that exposure to nature was more cognitively restorative than exposure to indoor settings for mothers, which replicated previous results of studies of individual exposure. The effect of settings for daughters was not significant; walking in any setting with mothers restored cognitive functioning equally. Interactions between mothers and daughters were more cohesive and positive following exposure to nature compared to interactions after exposure to indoor settings. Progress is being made on the second goal. Survey instruments have been designed for Study 2, and two field sites have been identified. Extension staff in two sites will assist in recruiting participants.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2017. The effects of a walk in nature on attention and family cohesion: An experimental design study. Children, Youth and Environments, 27(2), 93-109. DOI: 10.7721/chilyoutenvi.27.2.0093.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2016. Theorizing family-based nature activities and family functioning: The integration of attention restoration theory with a family routines and rituals perspective. Journal of Family Theory and Review, 8, 137-153. DOI: 10.1111/jftr.12138.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Izenstark, D., and Ebata, A. 2017. The affective benefits of a walk in nature for mother-daughter dyads. Poster presentation at the Society for Research on Child Development Biennial Meeting, Austin, TX.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2017. Impact of childhood experiences in nature on adults mental health and family relationships. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Council on Family Relations, Orlando, FL.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2016. The impact of family-based nature activities on health and family wellness. Paper presentation at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference, St. Louis, MO.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Humans in Nature (http://humansinnature.org)

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Research participants consisted of28 mother-daughter dyads. Mothers ranged in age from 27-55 years old (M = 40.5) and daughters ranged in age from 10-12 years old (M = 10.66). The race/ethnicity breakdown of mothers was 79% White, 11% African-American, 4% Asian or Asian-American, and 7% multiracial. Fifty-seven percent of mothers were married and 40% had incomes of $75,000 or more. Changes/Problems:The timetable for the project has been delayed because of reductions in funding compared to what was proposed and requested. Specifically, all activities for the development and implementation for Study 2 will be initiated in the following year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Conference presentations were made at two different professional meetings; another was accepted by another different organization. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will be developing and implementing Study 2 to address the second goal of the project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The first goal was accomplished. Study 1 found that exposure to nature was more cognitively restorative than exposure to indoor settings for mothers, which replicated previous results of studies of individual exposure. The effect of settings for daughters was not significant; walking in any setting with mothers restored cognitive functioning equally. Interactions between mothers and daughters were more cohesive and positive following exposure to nature compared to interactions after exposure to indoor settings.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2016. The impact of family-based nature activities on health and family wellness. Paper presentation at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference, St. Louis, MO.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2016. The benefits of a walk in the park for mothers and daughters. Paper presentation at the Jean Piaget Society 46th Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Izenstark, D. and Ebata, A. 2017. The affective benefits of a walk in nature for mother-daughter dyads. Poster presentation at the Society for Research on Child Development Biennial Meeting, Austin, TX.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Izenstark, D. 2016. The effects of the natural environment on attention and family functioning: An experimental study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
• Type: Websites Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Humans in Nature: www.humansinnature.org.