RESEARCH

The Relationship Between Nature Exposure and Depression among Chinese Prisoners: A Moderated Mediation Model

The study found that meaning in life partially mediates the relationship between exposure to nature and depressive symptoms, with an indirect effect of -0.05 (95% CI [-0.093, -0.029]). Additionally, the indirect effect of nature exposure on depression via meaning in life was substantially stronger for inmates with higher CU traits (β = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.123, -0.040]) than for those with lower CU traits (β = -0.03, 95% CI [-0.055, -0.003]).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Corrections/Justice-Involved

Setting or Context: Urban vs. Rural Settings, Jails/Prisons, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design, Counselling, Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Observational Research, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

This study aimed to investigate the link between self-reported nature exposure and depression among Chinese prisoners. It highlights that prisoners face a higher likelihood of experiencing depression than the general population due to the challenging prison environment. While nature exposure has been suggested as a cost-effective method for addressing depressive symptoms in incarcerated individuals, the specific mechanisms through which it exerts its effects in this population were not fully understood. The study utilized a survey conducted in four prisons in southern China from April to May 2022, collecting data anonymously from 574 prisoners. The participants completed questionnaires assessing nature exposure, meaning in life, depression, and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The research employed a moderated mediation model to analyze the relationships between these variables, controlling for demographic factors like gender, age, marital status, education level, and whether participants had children.

The results of the study revealed that meaning in life acts as a significant mediator in the association between nature exposure and depression. This suggests that nature exposure helps reduce depression by enhancing a prisoner’s sense of meaning in life. Furthermore, the study found that CU traits moderate the connection between nature exposure and meaning in life. This indicates that the positive impact of nature exposure on increasing meaning in life is stronger for prisoners with higher CU traits compared to those with lower traits. The findings suggest that nature exposure offers a novel pathway to alleviate depressive symptoms in prisoners, particularly benefiting those with high CU traits. The study also discusses the practical implications, recommending increased outdoor activities or the integration of biophilic design in prisons, and tailoring interventions based on CU traits to enhance meaning in life and reduce depression.

Link

Zeng, Y., Zhang, Q., Yan, J. et al. (2024). The relationship between nature exposure and depression among Chinese prisoners: A moderated mediation model. Front Psychol., 15, 1252864

Other Recommended Research

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.