The impact of nature in challenging times: Comparing direct and mediated nature experiences for well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and in palliative care

Nature plays an important role in human life, helping to reduce stress and enhance well-being, particularly during difficult times. However, accessing natural environments can be difficult at times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic or while in palliative care. Mediated nature experiences, e.g. watching documentaries, looking at photos or listening to nature sounds, offer an alternative way to connect with nature despite possible barriers. Yet, their impact remains underexplored. No studies have directly compared the impact of direct versus mediated nature on palliative care patients and individuals in other difficult situations. We conducted 12 semi-structured qualitative interviews with palliative care patients and 18 interviews with members of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate that mediated nature can improve well-being and contribute to better health. For palliative care patients, engaging with nature through media is particularly meaningful, providing a connection to inaccessible places and evoking memories of past experiences. • Nature helps to reduce stress and to boost well-being in crisis times. • Mediated nature offers an alternative when direct nature experiences aren't possible. • First study comparing direct vs. mediated nature in challenging times. • Mediated nature holds special significance for palliative-care patients.