Nature Contact Frequency and Duration Across Demographic Groups in a National U.S. Sample
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Time spent in nature is linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits, yet opportunities for nature contact vary widely among individuals. Understanding factors influencing how often and how long people engage with natural environments is essential for promoting health and well-being. Here we conducted a nationally representative survey of 3,125 American adults in 2025 to examine demographic, health, and nature relatedness factors associated with frequency and duration of nature contact. Over half of participants reported spending time in nature more than twice weekly and for two or more hours weekly. Significant differences in nature contact were observed by age, race/ethnicity, income, marital status, employment, health status, political ideology, and urbanicity. Higher nature relatedness correlated positively with nature engagement. These findings provide a foundation for future research and inform practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance public health through increased nature exposure.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Topic: Urban Green Space and Health
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225756843