NAAEE

The aim of this study was to provide insight into Finnish adolescents’ conceptions of the relationship between nature and happiness. Finland, reportedly the happiest country, promotes connection to nature as central to happiness and well-being. However, adolescence is often viewed as a time when everyday connection to nature declines. Among Finns, too, adolescence has been characterized by reduced engagement in nature. Additionally, there is a lack of research addressing the role that nature may play in adolescents’ experiences of happiness. This study aimed to address Finnish adolescents’ conceptions of the relation between nature and happiness. The researchers asked: “Does nature make adolescents happy? How does nature affect well-being, and which characteristics in nature affect well-being according to adolescents?”

Study participants included 193 ninth-grade students, 15- to 16-years-old, living in the city of Lahti in southern Finland. Data was collected in nine classes in five upper comprehensive schools, representative of typical Finnish schools. Participants viewed a short video depicting features of Finnish nature and highlighting nature as the source of Finns’ happiness. The video was used to facilitate adolescents’ reflection on their own conceptions of happiness in relation to nature. In response to the video, participants were asked to compose thematic writings to consider nature’s role in happiness. Their writings (N = 184) were analyzed following the principles of explorative thematic analysis. Each written response was coded and synonymous codes were merged to form broader themes.

Analysis revealed that a majority of the participants (67%) explicitly stated that nature is a source of happiness or connected only positive characteristics with nature. One fourth (26%) of the participants were ambivalent and reported both positive and negative aspects related to nature or expressed uncertainty about the connection between happiness and nature. A minority (7%) of the participants stated that there was no connection between happiness and nature or associated only negative characteristics with nature. In general, those who reported a positive stance toward nature-based happiness mentioned more outdoor activities associated with everyday life and depicted time in nature as calming and peaceful, improving their mood and relieving stress. Findings provide insight to the value of nearby nature in supporting adolescents’ well-being.

Overall, this study suggests that Finnish adolescents have a positive view of nature as important for their well-being and happiness. However, to address the "time out" from nature often seen during adolescence and to support those adolescents who are ambivalent or negative toward nature, the authors suggest that special efforts should be made to support teens' experiences in and connection to nature through outdoor recreation.