Nature connectedness and its impact on undergraduate students’ psychological well-being: a qualitative perspective

Keterkaitan dengan alam semula jadi dan kesannya terhadap kesejahteraan psikologi pelajar sarjana muda: satu perspektif kualitatif

Authors

  • Noorlila Ahmad Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3103-4794
  • Muhammad Alim Mesnan Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
  • Siti Fatimah Abd Rahman Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1777-3777
  • Syarifah Rohaniah Syed Mahmood Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8591-7102
  • Khadijah Khalilah Abdul Rashid Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3058-0963
  • Sueraya Che Haron Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1729-4984

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53840/attarbawiy.v9i1.283

Keywords:

nature, psychological well-being, restorativeness, stress, mental clarity

Abstract

Abstract
In an era where student mental health is increasingly at risk, exploring holistic approaches to well-being has become a critical focus in higher education. This study explores how connecting with nature connectedness can enhance psychological well-being among undergraduate students. Using a qualitative approach, the research aimed to examine how nature help students reduce stress to improve psychological well-being. Interviews with ten participants revealed that nature connectedness positively impacts emotional well-being by reducing stress, improving mood and enhancing mental clarity. Students shared that spending time in nature provided relief from academic pressures, offering a space for relaxation, reflection and renewal. These findings align with theories of psychological-being and restorativeness, demonstrating how nature support resilience. The study suggests that universities could create more green spaces and offer nature-based activities to promote student well-being, providing a restorative environment for personal growth and community connection.

Abstrak
Dalam era di mana kesihatan mental pelajar semakin terancam, pendekatan holistik terhadap kesejahteraan telah menjadi fokus penting dalam pendidikan tinggi. Kajian ini meneroka bagaimana keterhubungan dengan alam semula jadi dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan psikologi dalam kalangan pelajar prasiswazah. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti bagaimana interaksi dengan alam dapat membantu pelajar mengurangkan tekanan dan seterusnya meningkatkan kesejahteraan psikologi mereka. Temu bual dengan sepuluh orang peserta menunjukkan bahawa keterhubungan dengan alam memberikan impak positif terhadap kesejahteraan emosi, termasuk pengurangan tekanan, peningkatan mood dan kejelasan mental. Pelajar berkongsi bahawa masa yang dihabiskan di alam semula jadi memberi kelegaan daripada tekanan akademik, sekali gus menawarkan ruang untuk bersantai, bermuhasabah dan memperbaharui tenaga dalaman. Dapatan ini sejajar dengan teori kesejahteraan psikologi dan teori pemulihan (restorativeness), yang menunjukkan bagaimana alam semula jadi menyokong daya ketahanan diri. Kajian mencadangkan agar pihak universiti menyediakan lebih banyak ruang hijau dan aktiviti berasaskan alam semula jadi sebagai usaha untuk memupuk kesejahteraan pelajar, dengan menyediakan persekitaran yang memulihkan bagi pertumbuhan peribadi dan hubungan komuniti.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abulfaraj, G. G., Upsher, R., Zavos, H. M. S., & Dommett, E. J. (2024). The Impact of Resilience Interventions on University Students' Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review. Education Sciences 14, no. 5: 510. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050510

Adams, M., & Jordan, M. (2016). Growing together: Nature connectedness, belonging and social identity in a mental health ecotherapy programme. Ecotherapy: Theory, research and practice, 122-135.

Ahmad, N., Abd Rahman, S. F., Mahmood, S. R. S., Rashid, K. K. B. A., Haron, S. B. C., & Roslan, S. (2024). Nature Connectedness: An Investigation into Alleviating Emotional Disturbances among University Students. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(3), 559-575. https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.803041

Alves, S., Betrabet Gulwadi, G., & Nilsson, P. (2022). An Exploration of How Biophilic, Attributes on Campuses Might Support Student Connectedness to Nature, Others, and Self. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 793175. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.793175

Annerstedt, M., & Währborg, P. (2011). Nature-assisted therapy: systematic review of controlled and observational studies. Scandinavian journal of public health, 39(4), 371–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494810396400

Barbayannis, G., Bandari, M., Zheng, X., Baquerizo, H., Pecor, K. W., & Ming, X. (2022). Academic Stress and Mental Well-Being in College Students: Correlations, Affected Groups, and COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 886344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Bow, V., & Buys, E. (2003). Sense of community and place attachment: The natural environment plays a vital role in developing a sense of community. In L. Buys, J. Lyddon, & R. Bradley (Eds.), Social Change in the 21st Century 2003 Conference Refereed Proceedings (pp. 1-18). Centre for Social Change Research, School of Humanities and Human Services, Queensland University of Technology.

Capaldi, C. A., Dopko, R. L., & Zelenski, J. M. (2014). The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00976/full

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications. https://www.ucg.ac.me/skladiste/blog_609332/objava_105202/fajlovi/Creswell.pdf

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071802845

Diener, E., Oishi, S., & Tay, L. (2018). Advances in subjective well-being research. Nature human behavior, 2(4), 253–260. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0307-6

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2011). The Sage handbook of qualitative research. sage.

Frumkin, H., Bratman, G. N., Breslow, S. J., Cochran, B., Kahn, P. H., Jr, Lawler, J. J., Levin, P. S., Tandon, P. S., Varanasi, U., Wolf, K. L., & Wood, S. A. ( 2017). Nature Contact and Human Health: A Research Agenda. Environmental health perspectives, 125(7), 075001. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1663

Hartig, T., & Staats, H. (2006). The need for psychological restoration as a determinant of environmental preferences. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 26(3), 215-226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2006.03.007

Hernandez, A. A. (2024). Virtual Reality Nature and Spirituality: A Gateway to Awe (Bachelor's thesis, University of Twente).

Kaplan, R, & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. CUP Archive. experienceofnatu00kapl.pdf

Kellert, S. R., & Wilson, E. O. (Eds.). (1995). The Biophilia hypothesis. Island Press. Washington, DC.

Keniger, L. E., Gaston, K. J., Irvine, K. N., & Fuller, R. A. (2013). What are the benefits of interacting with nature? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10030913

Keyes, C. L. M. (2002). The mental health continuum: From languishing to flourishing in life. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(2), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.2307/3090197

Kumari, N., & Dubey, A. (2023). Environment and Human Health: Beyond Disciplinary Confinement. Mind and Society, 12(03), 47-53.

Kuo, F. E. (2013). Nature-deficit disorder: evidence, dosage, and treatment. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 5(2), 172-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2013.793520

Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications

Liu, H., Nong, H., Ren, H., & Liu, K. (2022). The effect of nature exposure, nature connectedness on mental well-being and ill-being in a general Chinese population. Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 222. pp. 1163.104397 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104397

Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. New York: Algonquin Books. Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder.

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Murdock-Perriera, L. A., Boucher, K. L., Carter, E. R., & Murphy, M. C. (2019). Places of belonging: Person-and place-focused interventions to support belonging in college. Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research: Volume 34, 291-323.

Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Pritchard, A., Richardson, M., Sheffield, D., & McEwan, K. (2020). The relationship betweennature connectedness and eudaimonic well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, 21(3), 1145–1167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-019-00118-6

Pretty, J. (2010). What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis. Environmental Science and Technology, 44(10), 3947–3955. https://doi.org/10.1021/es903183r

Ramón-Arbués, E., Gea-Caballero, V., Granada-López, J. M., Juárez-Vela, R., Pellicer-García, B., & Antón-Solanas, I. (2020). The Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress and Their Associated Factors in College Students. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(19), 7001. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197001

Roszak, T., Gomes, M. E., & Kanner, A. D. (1995). Ecopsychology: Restoring the earth, healing the mind. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.

Roszak, T. (2001). The voice of the earth: An exploration of ecopsychology. Newburyport, MA: Red Wheel/Weiser.

Ryff, C. D. (2018). Eudaimonic Well-being. Diversity in Harmony. Chapter 20. 375-395. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119362081.ch20

Ryff, C. D., Dienberg Love, G., Urry, H. L., Muller, D., Rosenkranz, M. A., Friedman, E. M., Davidson, R. J., & Singer, B. (2006). Psychological well-being and ill-being: do they have distinct or mirrored biological correlates?. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 75(2), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1159/000090892

Sahak, S. N. M., Roslan, S., Ahmad, N., Zaremohzzabieh, z., Mohamad, Z., & Ma’rof, A.M.(2024). Spirituality and nature connectedness as mediators between exposure to nature and psychological well-being of school students. Environment and Social Psychology (2024) Volume 9 Issue 5. http://dx.doi.org/10.54517/esp.v9i5.2346

Sandifer, P. A., Sutton-Grier, A. E., & Ward, B. P. (2015). Exploring connections among nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health and well-being: Opportunities to enhance health and biodiversity conservation. Ecosystem Services, 12, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2014.12.007

Schertz, K. E., & Berman, M. G. (2019). Understanding Nature and Its Cognitive Benefits. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 28(5), 496-502. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419854100

Shrestha, T., Di Blasi, Z., & Cassarino, M. (2021). Natural or urban campus walks and vitality in university students: exploratory qualitative findings from a pilot randomised controlled study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2003. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042003.

Sumisha, M., & Aujla, G. K. (2024). Nature Relatedness, Mindfulness And Well-Being Among University Students: Understanding The Connections. Educational Administration Theory and Practices, 30(4), 9086–9093. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i4.3030

Scribner, M., Sasso. P., & Puchner, L. (2022). Stress Management and Coping Strategies in Undergraduate Students at a Midwestern State University. New York Journal of Student Affairs. Vol. 20. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1367221.pdf

Silva, A., & Gonçalves, M. (2024). Nature Relatedness Scale: psychometric properties of the Portuguese version. Environmental Education Research, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2315574

Wilder-Smith, A., & Freedman, D. O. (2020). Isolation, quarantine, social distancing and

community containment: pivotal role for old-style public health measures in the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. Journal of travel medicine, 27(2), taaa020. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taaa020

van Dijk-Wesselius, J. E., Maas, J., Hovinga, D., van Vugt, M., & van den Berg, A. E. (2018). The impact of greening schoolyards on the appreciation, and physical, cognitive and social-emotional well-being of schoolchildren: A prospective intervention study. Landscape and Urban Planning, 180, 15–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.08.003

Wolsko, C., & Lindberg, K. (2013). Experiencing connection with nature: The matrix of psychological well-being, mindfulness, and outdoor recreation. Ecopsychology, 5(2), 80-91. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2013.0008

Zelenski, J. M., & Desrochers, J. E. (2021). Can positive and self-transcendent emotions promote pro-environmental behavior?. Current Opinion in Psychology, 42, 31-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.02.011

Zelenski, J., Warber, S., Robinson, J. M., Logan, A. C., & Prescott, S. L. (2023). Nature Connection: Providing a Pathway from Personal to Planetary Health. Challenges, 14(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe14010016

Zylstra, M. J., Esler, K. J., Knight, A. T., & Le Grange, L. L. (2014). Connectedness as a core conservation concern: An interdisciplinary review of theory and a call for practice. Environmental Conservation, 41(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892914000145

Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Ahmad, N., Mesnan, M. A. ., Abd Rahman, S. F. ., Syed Mahmood, S. R. ., Abdul Rashid, K. K. ., & Che Haron, S. (2025). Nature connectedness and its impact on undergraduate students’ psychological well-being: a qualitative perspective: Keterkaitan dengan alam semula jadi dan kesannya terhadap kesejahteraan psikologi pelajar sarjana muda: satu perspektif kualitatif. ATTARBAWIY: Malaysian Online Journal of Education, 9(1), 293–310. https://doi.org/10.53840/attarbawiy.v9i1.283