Spending time around ‘blue spaces’ may result in better mental health in adulthood

Experiences of nature in our childhood may have an impact on the mental well-being of our adulthood.

Spending time around natural parks and wooded areas have proven to be beneficial for mental health in adulthood. Studies have shown that being surrounded by ‘green spaces’ can reduce stress. 

However, the importance of being around water bodies or ‘blue spaces’ andthe effects of being exposed to such environments are not well researched.

Now, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology has collected data from the BlueHealth International Survey (BIS), a cross-sectional survey coordinated by the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health.

The data from 18 countries (14 European and 4 non-European countries) shows that people who recalled having spent time around rivers and lakes during their childhood place greater intrinsic value on natural settings. They also tend to spend more time in nature during adulthood which results in improved mental well-being. 

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“Our findings suggest that building familiarity and confidence in and around blue spaces during childhood may stimulate an inherent joy of nature and encourage people to seek out recreational natural experiences, with beneficial consequences for adult mental health,” Valeria Vitale, lead author of the study, said in a press release.

The scientists analysed responses from over 15,000 people who had spent the first 16 years of their life near or around a water body.