A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring a Mediation Model of Nature Exposure and Quality of Life: The Roles of Nature-Based and Overall Physical Activity
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined whether physical activity (PA) in nature and overall PA mediate the relationship between nature exposure and quality of life (QoL) across four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental, while controlling for perceived financial security. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted, involving 924 adults aged 18 to 79 years (m = 40.0, SD = 12.4); 73.6% were women. Nature exposure, PA in nature, overall PA, and financial security were assessed using nationally language-validated self-report scales and questionnaires. QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF, covering four domains. Mediation models were tested using the regression-based PROCESS macro with 5000 bootstrapped samples. Nature exposure was positively associated with both types of PA and all QoL domains, while financial security was positively linked to PA in nature. PA in nature significantly mediated the relationship between nature exposure and psychological QoL, but not the other domains. In contrast, overall PA was a significant mediator across all QoL domains. In all models, nature exposure and financial security remained significant direct predictors of QoL. Bootstrapped confidence intervals confirmed the significance of indirect effects through overall PA for physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL. While nature exposure was independently associated with better QoL, this relationship was partly explained by PA. These findings highlight the broader role of PA in linking nature exposure to QoL and underscore the importance of supporting active lifestyles in nature to enhance QoL. To achieve a higher QoL, policies that increase access to and opportunities for nature-based physical activity should be implemented.
Source: Behavioral Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/bs15111442
Authors: Migle Baceviciene, Rasa Jankauskiene
Institution: Klaipėda University
Language: English
Topic: Urban Green Space and Health
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W4415489120