Nature connection sessions for student wellbeing

Nature connection sessions for student wellbeing: a qualitative evaluation of an innovative intervention

School: Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Chaplaincy Centre

Team: Dr Hannah McNeilly, Dr Kitty Wheater

Abstract

Rising rates of mental health problems among university students, including stress, anxiety, and depression, have been a longstanding matter of concern. Innovative wellbeing programmes are important tools to facilitate learning and increase student satisfaction. The aim of this qualitative intervention project is to develop and evaluate nature connection programmes for students at the University of Edinburgh. Our research questions are: 

  • How do students perceive and experience nature connection walks? 
  • How do they integrate additional nature connection activities / reflections into their week? • What benefits do they notice in their daily lives, if any? 
  • How can nature connection activities be best tailored to university students as to increase benefits, such as stress reduction, access to resources, and social connection? 

Two six-week long nature connection programmes will be designed specifically for one cohort of undergraduate students and one cohort of postgraduate students. To involve student voices in the intervention design, a pilot forest walk will be conducted at the beginning and participants will be asked for feedback. Each intervention cohort will consist of a purposive sample of ten students from diverse backgrounds. They will participate in weekly forest walks and additional nature connection activities. The activities will be designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. 

Feedback will be gathered in form of a) weekly documentation of nature engagement and b) individual or group interviews at the end and will be analysed thematically. Results will provide important insights into how to implement adequate, accessible, and effective nature connection programmes to improve student wellbeing.