A nature-based intervention for parental mental health supported well-being among parents of infants and young childrenMany parents and caregivers face mental health challenges during their child’s early years, which can negatively affect long-term child health and development. Nature-based interventions are increasingly seen as a promising way to support parents with young children. Evidence suggests these interventions can boost parental well-being and strengthen parent-infant relationships; however, nature-based interventions designed to support parental mental health remain underexplored. This qualitative study evaluated a nature-based intervention for parents/caregivers of young children (age 0-5) that was set in a museum garden. The specific aims of the study were to: (1) explore parents’, program facilitators’, and museum staff’s perspectives of the nature-based parent support intervention; and (2) develop a logic model for the intervention to illustrate the intervention’s theorized mechanisms of change and anticipated outcomes.
The nature-based parent support intervention was a free, weekly drop-in program situated in an urban, walled-in garden at a museum in the U.K. Intervention activities focused on parental mental health and engagement with nature. Intervention facilitators, who had backgrounds in social work, therapy and child development, prioritized caring interactions with each parent and were available for discussions about their mental health concerns. A variety of nature-based experiences, including natural crafts, sensory play and nature observation activities, were available for parents and children to explore freely. Parents attending the sessions were invited to participate in the study. Seven mothers and two fathers with children between the ages of two months and four and a half years agreed to participate. The two intervention facilitators and four museum staff also participated in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with parents, intervention facilitators, and museum staff to explore their experiences with the program. The researcher also conducted an observation during one session of the intervention. Data was analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Additionally, before data collection, a stakeholder group—consisting of the researchers, intervention facilitators, museum staff and experts in museum studies and green spaces—took part in a workshop to draft a logic model of the intervention to theorize its mechanisms, outcomes, and contextual factors. A second workshop was held after data collection to revise the logic model based on research findings.
Analysis identified four themes: 1) <em>nurturing parents and caregivers in everyday moments</em>, 2) <em>wild, free and together in nature</em>, 3) <em>impacts for parents, children, facilitators and museum staff</em>, and 4) <em>shared values, developing relationships and successful partnerships</em>. The first theme, <em>nurturing parents and caregivers in everyday moments</em>, highlighted the intervention’s distinct focus on parent well-being. This approach distinguished the intervention from other parent-child groups. Parents valued the facilitators’ kind, relaxed demeanor and their clinical expertise. These qualities helped parents feel as though they were being cared for and established a trusting space for parents to discuss their mental health concerns. The second theme, <em>wild, free and together in nature</em>, called attention to components that enabled a sense of freedom and well-being for parents. The enclosed garden space allowed families to experience the benefits of nature within a safe and peaceful environment, and parents enjoyed watching their children interact with nature. The intervention’s relaxed, flexible format gave families the freedom to shape their own experience. Additionally, opportunities for play with natural materials provided stress relief and fostered social connection. The theme <em>impacts for parents, children, facilitators and museum staff</em> focused on the benefits each group experienced. Parents reported improved relationships with their children, enhanced well-being, and enjoyment from watching their children's social development. Parents felt that the flexible nature of the intervention, and specifically the lack of expectations placed on the children, were central to improved well-being and relationship quality. The relaxed and inclusive environment also encouraged children’s free play. Benefits experienced by children included increased confidence, social connection, positive parent interactions, knowledge of the environment, and connection with nature. Further, facilitators and museum staff indicated that the intervention contributed to their own well-being. The last theme, <em>shared values, developing relationships and successful partnerships</em>, revealed that “mutually beneficial relationships built on understanding, reciprocity and trust” were established between families, facilitators, and museum staff. Finally, development of the logic model “highlighted the essential elements of delivering a flexible, free-flowing intervention that prioritized parents’ well-being through non-judgmental, mindful support in a safe, neutral green space.” The proposed model depicts the mechanisms and outcomes experienced by parents, children, facilitators and museum staff.
This evaluation provides a detailed account of a nature-based intervention that supported enhanced parental well-being through opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature, social interaction with other parents, and improved parent-child relationships. Findings highlight key characteristics of the intervention that were important in supporting parents’ mental health, including “the flexible, free-flow format of the intervention, the focus on parents’ well-being rather than children’s development, and the facilitators’ interpersonal skills.” Research should continue to examine the impact of nature-based interventions on parental mental health. The researchers conclude that “this intervention offers a promising low-cost opportunity to support parents at this critical stage of their babies' lives, warranting further research and policy recognition.”
The Bottom Line