Investigating the relationship between nature exposure, nature connectedness and wellbeing in individuals with cancer

Prior quantitative research has highlighted the benefits that nature brings to the well-being of cancer survivors. Here, an Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted to investigate the relationship between nature exposure, nature connectedness and well-being in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Semi-structured interviews of four participants revealed three themes. (1) Nature and the self (2) Restorative Nature (3) Evocative nature. Participants described a strong connection with nature, allowing them to feel a sense of relatedness to nature and fulfillment through the formation of social roles in relation to nature. Participants coping with the impacts of their cancer diagnosis experienced restorative effects from nature. By engaging their senses in nature and taking part in nature activities, individuals created psychological distancing, lessening the presence of negative affect. Nature evoked feelings and emotions within participants and was used to create meaning to their cancer diagnoses, with some participants viewing nature as evidence of a higher power. A sense of agency and control was felt through the mastery of tasks in nature, and the ability to manage aspects of participants’ cancer diagnosis. The findings highlight the importance of both nature exposure and nature connectedness in contributing to all facets of well-being.