The MINT Program: A Mixed‐Method Approach to Identifying Nature‐Based Resources to Promote Adolescent Parent Social and Psychological Well‐Being

ABSTRACT

Background

Adolescent parents are at an increased risk for loneliness and mental health challenges compared to childless peers. Nature-based interventions are shown to promote social connectedness.

Aim

To identify elements of a nature-based intervention to reduce loneliness and foster nature connection among pregnant and parenting adolescents.

Design

Sequential exploratory mixed methods.

Methods

In 2020 and 2021, we piloted the 8-week MINT program at a school for pregnant and parenting teens. Our qualitative approach (n = 17) included online and in-person group meetings with nature-based educational content, discussion, park excursions, mindfulness activities, journaling and nature photography. Subsequently, we recruited 131 young mothers at a children's hospital for a cross-sectional survey based on qualitative school findings.

Results

Qualitative results from the school-based intervention showed a preference for meditative and contemplative activities and for spending time in nature with extended family. Participants typically accessed nature close to home. Our clinic-based teen parent survey illustrated that participants' access to nature were most limited by lack of time (25% of responses), company (18%) and energy (28%). While participants showed a close nature connection (mean NR-6 score = 3.9 (SD = 0.84)), they also showed moderate levels of loneliness (mean UCLA Loneliness score = 4.78 (SD = 1.60)). Walking, hiking and/or running were the most preferred nature activity.

Conclusion

These findings provide key details to define nature-based activities to address loneliness and psychological well-being among teen mothers.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nature-based health interventions can address loneliness and nature disconnection by building community resilience, improving provider and patient well-being and motivating environmental stewardship.

Impact

We identify key features of a nature-based intervention for adolescent mothers. These findings support teen mothers in the US and abroad and may serve as a foundation for using nature-based solutions for vulnerable mothers and for adolescents facing loneliness and mental health challenges.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.