Into the wild
A multi-source qualitative study on motivations, barriers, and social well-being in nature-based physical activity
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24230340 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kaiming Cao (0009-0001-8504-084X, Shenzhen University), Qinghao Guan (0000-0003-0062-4502, University of Zurich), Hongfa Zeng (0000-0001-5963-7135, Shenzhen University), Yifan Zuo (0000-0002-9546-6860, Shenzhen University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-22 |
| Publication date | 2026-09-02 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Culture Sport Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1461-0981 • E-ISSN: 1743-0445 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/17430437.2026.2723472 |
| OpenAlex | W7206163252 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 41 |
Nature-based physical activity (NBPA) is increasingly recognized for promoting connectedness to nature and supporting mental and physical health, yet existing research is limited by conceptual ambiguity and fragmented analyses of motivations, barriers, and outcomes. This study clarifies the conceptual scope of NBPA and examines the relationships among participation motivations, barriers, and social well-being. We propose a four-domain classification of NBPA (water-, land-, air-, and ice/snow-based) and employ a multi-source qualitative research design, integrating semi-structured interviews and social media posts through an iterative thematic analysis. Results identify a four-dimensional barrier structure (structural, intrapersonal, social, and practical constraints) and extend outcome assessment to social well-being by distinguishing individual and collective well-being. Finally, drawing on Nature Connectedness Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, we develop a dynamic process model explaining why people participate, what constrains participation, and how sustained social well-being emerges through NBPA.
attention restoration theory · barriers to participation · individual and collective well-being · land-based activities · nature-based physical activity · participation motivation · social media posts · social well-being · water-based activities · Physical Activity and Health · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Urban Green Space and Health
The impact of nature-based physical activity on mental well-being
Measurement and Determinants of Environmentally Significant Consumer Behavior
The significance of parks to physical activity and public health
Nature-Based Tourism
Risks and Benefits of Green Spaces for Children
The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise
Nature to place
Inclusion with Nature
Subjective Well-Being
Why hikers hike
From cobot to carbon
Framing global biodiversity
Performing the digital pastoral
The Nature Relatedness Scale
The restorative benefits of nature
Your friends, my friends, and our family
Subjective well-being
Subjective well-being
| Highly cited | No |
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