Feeling stuck or unsure of yourself? A walk in the woods might help more than you think. A new analysis of six studies involving 1,356 adolescents and young adults found that outdoor and nature-based interventions had a significant positive effect on self-efficacy, the belief in your ability to succeed.
The effect was large, with a Cohen's d of 0.80. That means the average person in the nature group scored 0.8 standard deviations higher on self-efficacy measures than those who didn't get the nature intervention. The results were statistically significant (p = 0.005).
But here's the honest truth: this analysis is based on only six studies, and there are hints that smaller studies may have inflated the results. So while the findings are promising, they're not the final word.
Still, for parents, teachers, or anyone working with young people, this suggests that getting outside could be a simple, low-cost way to help build confidence during a critical time of life.
Common questions
What is self-efficacy?
Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. It's like confidence in your own skills. The study found that outdoor activities helped boost this belief in teens and young adults.
How strong is the evidence that nature helps?
The analysis found a large positive effect, but it's based on only six studies. There are also signs that smaller studies might have made the effect look bigger than it really is. So the evidence is promising but not conclusive.
Who was included in the study?
The analysis looked at 1,356 adolescents and young adults across six independent studies. The exact ages and settings weren't reported, so it's not clear if the results apply to all young people.
Should I encourage my teen to spend more time outdoors?
The study suggests outdoor activities may help with self-efficacy, but it's not a guarantee. There were no reported risks or side effects. If you're considering this for your teen, talk to their doctor for personalized advice.
