A team of researchers from the University of Vermont (United States) wanted to know the impact of the health crisis on the population. According to the study published in the scientific journal PLOS One, nature has become a real refuge or even a vital need for mental health, especially for women, during this particular period of the pandemic.
A vital need for mental health
Lastly, more than 3,200 people confined in Vermont responded to online surveys. In total, 70% found that the walks in the middle of nature, far from the urban bustle, were refreshing while 64% said they enjoyed the observation of the surrounding flora and fauna. A finding that extends to much more than simple walks in the forest or countryside since the participants were interested in other outdoor activities during confinement: 58% took the opportunity to relax alone for a while, others to garden (57%), walk (70%), jog (48%) or to carry out artistic activities such as outdoor photography (54%). Many participants indicated that their view of nature had changed: it made sense for their well-being and mental health (59%), prompts them to exercise outdoors (29%), but also to appreciate its beauty more (29%).
A need that particularly affects women
The researchers found that women were more affected by this phenomenon, being 1.7 times more engaged than men in the garden and 2.9 times more engaged in walking. ” More research is needed, but our preliminary analysis suggests that, during a pandemic, women are more likely than men to place greater importance on values such as mental well-being, beauty, exercise, fitness, and health. familiarity with the landscape and the fun. Our next step is to explore the qualitative data to dig deeper into this result. Says Rachelle Gould, lead author of the study.
