Exploring the effects of contact with nature during Covid 19 lockdown and its impact on individuals’ psychological wellbeing: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Prior to COVID-19 it has been reported that exposure to nature facilitates stress recovery by restoring emotional and cognitive resources, building resilience, and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, frequent contact with nature has been linked to higher life satisfaction, improved psychological and emotional health. These findings proved to be accurate even during events such as the pandemic showcasing natures restorative impact.Aim: The aim of this study was to acquire a comprehensive understanding, informed by scientific literature, of changes in individuals' contact with nature during the COVID-19 lockdown and the potential impact of these changes on individuals' psychological well-being.Methods: The study utilised a scoping review methodology with purposive sampling to select relevant studies. The researcher adhered to the Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework for review studies, which ensured that all relevant articles and data were reviewed, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Data was collected from eight research articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and thematic content analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's (2006) sixstep model for qualitative data analysis.Findings: The study identified four key themes: (1) increased nature exposure during COVID-19 lockdown, (2) decreased nature exposure during COVID-19 lockdown, (3) improved well-being associated with increased nature exposure, and (4) lower well-being associated with decreased nature exposure. In combination, these results highlighted the importance of having access to quality greenspaces by showing a connection between nature exposure and improved well being during COVID lockdown. Conclusion: This review's findings are significant for the general population, as it provided insight on individuals' relation with nature during events like the COVID pandemic, and the impact this had on individuals' well-being. It also provided interesting insights into the potential role that urban planners 7 and policymakers could play in the development and implementation of greening policies, and the design of urban spaces that would facilitate the continued and optimal use of nature and its effects on well-being during such events.