Objectives
Research suggests that green spaces can benefit mental health, particularly for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. However, certain groups, including women, people from low socioeconomic groups and ethnic minorities, visit natural environments less frequently. This thesis explored how adults from low socioeconomic groups experience green spaces and the impact of these experiences on their mental health, with a particular focus on ethnic minority women's experiences of rural green spaces.
Method
The thesis comprised a qualitative literature review and an empirical study. The review synthesised nine peer-reviewed qualitative studies exploring how adults from low socioeconomic backgrounds experience green spaces and the impact of these environments on psychological wellbeing. The empirical study used semi-structured interviews with eight women from low socioeconomic ethnic minority backgrounds who had experience of rural green spaces. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results
The literature review highlighted four themes associated with green spaces, Emotional and Mental Health, Holistic Benefits, Barriers and Facilitators, and Social and Community Wellbeing. The empirical study highlighted four themes, ‘Developing a Sense of Self in Nature’, ‘Therapeutic Healing Through the Senses in Nature’, ‘Freedom and Constraint Shaping Experiences in Nature’ and ‘Group Belonging and Community Connection’.
Conclusion
Green spaces can provide emotional, spiritual, sensory and social benefits for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The experiences of low socioeconomic ethnic minority women in rural green spaces further highlighted the importance of childhood nature experiences, identity and belonging, and the restorative and therapeutic benefits of nature through sensory and spiritual connection. However, safety, accessibility, socio-cultural and practical barriers can constrain access to and experiences of green spaces.
