University Students’ Experiences of Nature, Spirituality and Psychological Well-being
A Qualitative Inquiry
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22327666 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Noorlila Ahmad (0000-0002-3103-4794, International Islamic University Malaysia), Muhammad Alim Mesnan (International Islamic University Malaysia), Mohd Taufik Mohammad (International Islamic University Malaysia), Samsilah Roslan (0000-0003-1795-1606, Universiti Putra Malaysia), Ezza Mad Baguri (0000-0002-5878-9003, INTI International University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 202 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The Malaysian Journal of Qualitative Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1823-8521 • E-ISSN: 3009-0237 |
| Publisher | Qualitative Research Association of Malaysia (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.61211/mjqr120114 |
| OpenAlex | W7165774758 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 50 |
There has been growing interest in understanding the factors that contribute to the psychological well-being of university students. University life can be stressful and overwhelming, making it increasingly critical to explore non-clinical, humanistic pathways that can support emotional resilience, mental clarity and personal growth. Among such pathways, nature connectedness and spirituality have emerged as meaningful constructs in promoting mental health and overall well-being. This qualitative study aims to explore the interconnections between nature connectedness, spirituality and the psychological well-being of undergraduate students. Ten undergraduate students, selected through purposive sampling, participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews designed to elicit rich, personal insights into their lived experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data, identifying recurring themes and the meaning-making processes underlying participant narratives. Four key themes were identified: (1) routine engagement with nature, (2) nature as a coping strategy, (3) spiritual experiences in nature and (4) spirituality shaping nature connectedness and relationships. The findings illustrate how students' intentional interactions with natural environments serve as a vital resource for stress relief, emotional restoration, and cognitive reprieve. Concurrently, spirituality was found to offer a valuable source of inner strength, hope, meaning, and coping strategies, especially during periods of adversity, with natural settings often facilitating these spiritual experiences. This study contributes to the broader discourse on holistic and humanistic approaches in higher education by highlighting the psychological and emotional benefits of integrating ecological and spiritual dimensions. It suggests practical implications for educators, counsellors and policymakers in designing supportive learning environments and well-being initiatives that nurture the whole student
CLARITY · Mental health · Nature versus nurture · Qualitative research · Social connectedness · Spirituality · Thematic analysis · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Urban Green Space and Health
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The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness
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The Relationship Between Spirituality, Health-Related Behavior, and Psychological Well-Being
Snowball Sampling
Systematic methodological review
The connectedness to nature scale
Favorite green, waterside and urban environments, restorative experiences and perceived health in Finland
Addressing mental health in university students
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Understanding the Psychological Health and Well-Being Benefits of Physical Activity in Nature
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A Framework for Public Health Action
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Naturalistic inquiry
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The Four Domains Model
Conducting the Pilot Study
| Highly cited | No |
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