Urban Children's Well-Being Factors and Qualities of Being and Doing in Natural Space: Nature Immersion

Abstract

Research has suggested positive effects of nature immersion-a state of being or an act of doing in natural space-for urban children who were otherwise at risk for emotional or behavioral problems. However, few studies have systematically investigated natural space qualities that predict child well-being at the clinical level. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of natural space qualities as factors of urban child well-being. Explanatory mixed methods were used. Quantitative data (N = 174) included a survey and two parental reports of child well-being. Interviews provided qualitative data (N = 15). Data were analyzed using generalized linear model and content analysis. Both data streams were merged into a point of meta-inference that contributed to parental assessment of enhanced child well-being: More frequent nature-child space-time immersion combined with parental valuing of nature connection (p < .001) as a soothing and safe resource. The factors of urban nature immersion affected child well-being over parental socioeconomic affluence alone. The evidence corresponds to Nightingale's tenet that an act of doing, which is considered an action of the child's own will, affects one's sense of well-being. The findings indicate that nature immersion can be applied to urban child self-care and holistic nursing modalities.

Keywords: Nightingale; child well-being; green space; holistic nursing; integrative nursing; mixed methods; natural space; urban children; urban farm; urban natural space.