Outdoor recreation’s association with mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
Does maintaining outdoor recreation during a crisis like the pandemic helped protect mental health, and do certain groups of people face more barriers to accessing these potential benefits than others?
College of Health researcher(s)
College unit(s)
Abstract
Outdoor recreation provided a crucial way to maintain physical activity, reduce stress, and preserve a sense of normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the relationship between outdoor recreation and mental health in the context of COVID-19. Cross-sectional online survey data were collected in early 2021 from a sample (n = 503) representative of the U.S. adult population in age, gender, and race. We observed prevalent engagement in near-home outdoor activities, widespread reductions in outdoor engagement relative to the pre-COVID period, and significant age, financial, and racial differences in engagement patterns. Regression models suggested that reduced outdoor recreation was associated with higher levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms, whereas more frequent outdoor activities predicted better well-being. The health implications of adaptive engagement versus cumulative exposure during times of significant disruptions are discussed, along with the need to address structural inequities in accessing outdoor recreation as a health behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions: Outdoor Recreation and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How did outdoor recreation patterns in the U.S. change during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021?
In early 2021, a significant portion of U.S. adults reported engaging in outdoor recreation at least once a week. Walking was the most frequently mentioned activity, followed by hiking, running, and gardening. Notably, near-home activities were more common than outdoor sports and nature-based recreation. Despite increased leisure time and public health encouragement of outdoor activities, a majority of respondents reported a reduction in their outdoor recreation levels compared to pre-pandemic times.
What was the relationship between changes in outdoor recreation and mental health during the pandemic?
The study found that a decrease in outdoor recreation engagement compared to pre-COVID levels was associated with higher perceived stress and more depressive symptoms. This suggests that maintaining or increasing outdoor activity during times of disruption may have a protective effect on negative mental health outcomes.
Did the frequency of outdoor recreation engagement have any impact on mental well-being?
Yes, the study indicated that a higher frequency of outdoor recreation during the pandemic was associated with better overall well-being. This suggests that regular engagement in outdoor activities, regardless of changes compared to pre-pandemic levels, contributed positively to mental well-being.
Were there any demographic differences in outdoor recreation engagement during this period?
The study observed several demographic differences. Older adults were more likely to engage in near-home outdoor activities and reported higher outdoor recreation frequency. White participants were more likely to maintain their pre-COVID outdoor recreation levels and reported more frequent participation compared to Black or Asian participants, who were more likely to reduce their engagement. Individuals with better perceived financial conditions also reported higher outdoor recreation frequency.
What COVID-specific risk and protective factors were associated with mental health outcomes?
Several COVID-specific factors significantly predicted mental health outcomes. Higher levels of social isolation and negative beliefs about preventive measures were associated with greater perceived stress and depressive symptoms, and lower well-being. Conversely, a more optimistic future outlook regarding the pandemic was linked to lower depressive symptoms and higher well-being. Taking active precautionary measures was associated with lower perceived stress. Social isolation emerged as the strongest predictor of mental health across all measures.
How does this study contribute to the existing understanding of outdoor recreation and mental health during crises?
This study expands on previous research by examining outdoor recreation engagement during a later, severe phase of the pandemic using a nationwide U.S. adult sample. It uniquely compared the effects of both relative changes and cumulative frequency of outdoor recreation on mental health, while controlling for various COVID-specific risk and protective factors. The findings highlight the distinct roles of adaptive engagement (relative change) in mitigating negative mental health and cumulative exposure (frequency) in promoting well-being during significant disruptions.
What are the implications of these findings for public health and recreation management?
The findings underscore the importance of outdoor recreation as a crucial health behavior, particularly during stressful times. Public health policymakers and recreation managers should strive to maintain and enhance access to outdoor spaces, especially in underserved areas, and consider strategies to encourage continued engagement. Addressing structural inequities that limit access for marginalized groups is essential to promote health equity. Efforts to facilitate adaptive outdoor recreation behaviors and re-engagement for those who reduced participation are also important.
What were the limitations of this study?
The study utilized an online survey, which may introduce self-selection bias. The cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causality. Additionally, data were collected during the winter, which might have influenced outdoor recreation participation rates. The reliance on self-reported data may also be subject to recall bias. While the sample size was adequate for detecting population-level effects, larger samples could better identify within-group differences.