Conference Agenda

Physical activity (PA) is a well-established way to enhance positive mental health. Recent research has also shown that the PA environment is relevant for mental health in adults. The aim of this study was to examine the association between nature-based PA and positive mental health among adolescents and young people, a group for whom evidence is still limited.

The study was based on the population-based School Health Promotion Study conducted in 2025 and covering all Finnish schools. The respondents were 8^th and 9^th grade pupils in basic education (n = 94,743; national coverage 73%), and first- and second-year students in upper secondary (n = 47,248; 70%), and vocational education (n = 24,998; 38%), totaling 166,989 respondents aged 14-20 years. Nature-based PA was assessed with a single item, and positive mental health using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS).

The majority (91%) of respondents reported engaging in nature-based PA or spending time in nature at least once per week, and nearly half (45%) did so on at least four days per week. Younger pupils reported nature-based PA more often than upper secondary or vocational students. Spending time in nature was associated with higher levels of positive mental health. High levels of positive mental health were particularly common among those who spent time in nature every day.

The findings reinforce the understanding of the beneficial role of natural environments for mental well-being and demonstrate that regular nature-based activities are specifically associated with higher levels of positive mental health among young people.