November 15, 2024
Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy, lead author of a recent study, explored the impact of spending two hours per week in nature on the mental health of children aged 10 to 12. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study involved over 500 children in Quebec, some of whom exhibited significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges.
The findings revealed that the most vulnerable children showed the greatest improvements, becoming calmer, more relaxed, and more attentive after spending time in nature. This intervention, which combined outdoor educational activities with mental health exercises, demonstrated significant benefits, particularly for those with the most severe symptoms.
This low-cost and accessible approach could provide an effective strategy to support vulnerable children and reduce mental health inequalities in schools. The research team now plans to adapt this method for adolescents, focusing on well-being, reducing eco-anxiety, and fostering a connection with nature.
The idea for the project came up during the pandemic when people were worried about the health risks of children spending so much time inside the school each day. My kids and I spend lots of time in parks, so I’ve seen the benefits of spending time in nature, both for myself and for them. So, I thought maybe we can have a free and accessible intervention where school children can spend time in nature, and we can measure the effects this has on their mood and behaviour.
– Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy