For this study, seven parents were interviewed to obtain information about perceived constraints to family nature-related activities. A goal of the study was to better understand such constraints so that recreation managers could use the information to make their nature-related outdoor programs more accessible to families. These increased opportunities for interactions with nature could, in turn, result in greater physical and psychological benefits for children and youth.
While possible constraints and barriers to family participation in nature-based outdoor activities have been proposed in previous research, the studies did not, for the most part, directly ask parents to share their perceptions of such constraints. This study does so.
Through semi-structured interviews, participants – all parents of children ages 10-15-- were asked to share information about their nature-related activities and perceived benefits of being actively engaged with nature. They were also asked to share information about what makes it difficult to participate in outdoor activities. The interviews, averaging 43 minutes in length, were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim.
Three major areas of constraints were identified by the parents: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural. These themes are consistent with a hierarchical model of constraints proposed in the literature focusing on leisure activities. Fear and prior knowledge are examples of intrapersonal constraints. Parents in this study cited fear of the unknown and concerns for their children's health and safety as barriers to participation in nature-focused activities. They also mentioned lack of prior experience and the concern of not knowing what they might be getting into if they engaged in certain outdoor activities.
Interpersonal constraints included child and parental scheduling conflicts and resistance to participation. The resistance was often due to different preferences for leisure activities, which for some applied to a spouse, for others to the children in the family. Structural constraints included cost, time, transportation issues, and an unawareness of available outdoor activities.
Related recommendations offered by the researchers include making information about nature-related activities more widely accessible and conducting family inclusive satellite programs in such family-friendly environments as public libraries and faith-based settings. The important thing, they say, is to evaluate programs on a regular basis and adjust offerings to meet the needs and interests of families.
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