Twenty-six mothers and daughters participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on their experiences with family-based nature activities (FBNA), defined as two or more family members engaging in outdoor recreation. The mother and daughter interviews were conducted simultaneously but in separate rooms. This arrangement recognized the daughters (age 10-12) as active agents in their leisure decisions. Interview protocols with the mothers and daughters were almost identical, with the exception of mothers being asked to share additional information about changes over time.
Three themes emerged from an analysis of the interview responses: (1) mothers' and daughters' participation in FBNA, (2) individual and familial health benefits, and (3) constraints to participation. Walking together was the most frequently reported FBNA by both mothers and daughters, with walks taking place in the neighborhood, local parks, and other public recreation spaces. The most common outdoor place where mothers and daughters spent time together was the backyard, where eating, practicing sports, and gardening were typical activities. Other places and situations for FBNA included family trips and events in natural areas.
Almost all of the mothers and daughters reported experiencing a variety of health benefits associated with FBNA. While individual benefits were noted, family benefits were emphasized even more. Health benefits included increased physical activity and physical fitness, decreased stress, and positive impact on mood. Family benefits included improved communication and getting along better with each other. Constraints to FBNA included weather conditions and lack of time; and -- in some situations -- family members imposed participation constraints on each other. Changes in the developmental capabilities of daughters as they matured and in their growing need for independence highlighted the need for FBNA to evolve as children age.
Findings of this study support a theoretical argument previously developed by the authors suggesting that attention restoration plays a role in family members getting along better when interacting with the natural environment. As articulated by the authors, “engagement in FBNA can serve as a pathway for more positive family functioning because when an individual family member's attention is restored (i.e., less irritable, more self-control), it allows them to get along better with other family members.” In this study, participants' narratives about their experiences with FBNA were consistent with all four elements of Attention Restoration Theory (ART): sense of being away, extent, fascination, and compatibility.
This research calls attention to ways in which FBNA can contribute to both individual health outcomes and positive family relationships within the unique context of the natural environment.
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