For this study, 300 adults living in Australia completed an online survey which included a number of demographic questions, a scale measuring contact with nature in childhood and adulthood, and a measure of depressive symptoms. The aim of this investigation was to examine whether contact with nature in childhood might predict lower depression in adulthood as a result of the continued use of nature to assist with emotional regulation.
Participants were recruited through websites, social media, and physical posters in various general public domains, such as libraries, universities, and community centers. Participants were required to be over the age of 18.
Findings indicated that higher contact with nature in childhood was correlated with lower adult depression. While this effect was small, a significant correlation of moderate strength was found between child and adult contact with nature. Additionally, more adult contact with nature was significantly correlated with lower adult depression, although the effect was relatively small. These findings suggest that contact with nature in childhood is related to fewer symptoms of depression in adulthood, and this may occur due to the repeated use of nature in adulthood. Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that contact with nature may be a learned emotional regulation strategy that, when continued in adulthood, predicts lower depression.
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