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Immigrants' exposure to natural environments in Canada: associations with integration, settlement satisfaction, physical activity, and wellbeing
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2023) Charles Rodriguez, Ulises; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences; Larouche, Richard
Refugees and immigrants dissatisfied with their settlement may experience a significant decline in mental health after arrival. Evidence suggests that nature can positively affect mental health, belonging, and place attachment. The dissertation includes three complementary studies. Our scoping review revealed that being in nature is primarily an embodied experience that can foster new memories, facilitating adaptation and attachment to new environments among immigrants. Our national cross-sectional study suggest that immigrants engage in significantly fewer outdoor activities and outdoor activities are associated with settlement satisfaction. In our evaluation, participants expressed a range of motivations, benefits, challenges, and recommendations for a local community garden project. The scoping review and cross-sectional study identify outcomes and barriers to participation and summarize recommendations for research and practice. Adopting a participatory approach to our evaluation facilitated capacity building and direct use of research findings. Such an approach can catalyze sustainable community action in immigrant communities.