"We are a part of nature and we must care for it”: an investigation of co-design and youth experiences in nature-based interventions for wellbeing and environmental stewardship

The widespread human disconnection from nature has been identified as a root driver of contemporary crises, including the escalating mental health crisis and environmental emergency. In response, there is an urgent need for evidence-based interventions that strengthen nature connectedness, enhance wellbeing, and cultivate adaptive coping strategies. Emerging research consistently highlights the pivotal role of nature connection in promoting resilience, supporting mental health, and cultivating environmental stewardship for planetary health. This PhD examined the potential for nature-based interventions (NBIs), defined as structured activities or environmental modifications designed to engage individuals with nature and strengthen nature connectedness, wellbeing, and planetary health. Study 1 consisted of an umbrella review of 64 systematic reviews and meta-analyses on nature-based interventions, providing a meta-level synthesis of the current evidence base, incorporating assessments of methodological quality and highlighting key factors that influence intervention effectiveness. Findings identified potential barriers and enablers to effectiveness of interventions (e.g. quality of natural environment, perceived safety, social dimensions, practitioner skills and co-design) and underscored the need to focus on young people and incorporate co-design. Study 2 explored young people’s relationships with nature cross-culturally through focus groups (n=24), using reflexive thematic analysis and focusing on its associations with wellbeing and pro-environmental attitudes. The study identified relational, embodied, and meaning-oriented patterns to nature connection, while highlighting barriers such as limited access, safety concerns, reduced intergenerational transmission and the structure of modern life. Findings emphasised the need for interventions that are contextually sensitive and tailored to individual circumstances. Study 3 Pathways to Nature (PTN) was a transdisciplinary, cross-cultural intervention co-designed with young people and practitioners in Ireland, Spain, Armenia, and Finland (n=60, aged 13–26). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of co-designed nature-based interventions, adapted to the unique needs of each cultural context, on youth mental health, nature connectedness, and pro-environmental behaviour. Using a mixed-methods approach, survey data suggested increases in nature connectedness post-intervention, while focus group analysis identified five key themes: 1) Pathways to Wellbeing, 2) A Shift in Perspective, 3) Changing Habits, 4) The Ripple Effect on Communities, and 5) Challenges and Space for Improvement. Together, these interconnected studies build on each other to advance conceptual clarity on NBIs, provide cross-cultural insights into youth-nature relationships, and generate applied evidence for co-designed, contextually sensitive interventions. Findings highlight the need to embed nature connection into youth development and planetary health strategies, while pointing to the need for fundamental shifts in worldview towards more ecocentric perspectives. This thesis makes significant contributions to research, practice, and policy, by demonstrating how NBIs can support youth wellbeing and environmental stewardship, offering actionable insights for intervention design and systemic change.

Grantor dc:publisher

University College Cork

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Shrestha, Topaz

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Di Blasi, Zelda
• Foley, Sarah
• Cassarino, Marica

• Environmental psychology
• Nature connectedness
• Nature-based interventions
• Applied psychology
• Co-design

Statement dc:rights

• © 2025, Topaz Shrestha.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/18883

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cora.ucc.ie:10468/18883