Date of Publication

2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Advisor

Roseann Tan-Mansukhani

Defense Panel Chair

John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta

Defense Panel Member

Karmia A. Pakingan
Patricia D. Simon

Abstract/Summary

Past studies have shown that nature exposure is associated with mental health, but the mechanistic pathways are not fully understood. This study examined a possible pathway, positive body image as a mediator of the effects of nature exposure on mental health among 432 participants ages 18-26 years old in the Philippines. The model was tested using adequate fitting indices like the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). Results from the structural equation modeling indicated that the direct association between nature exposure and mental health is not statistically significant but showed a significant indirect association between nature exposure and positive body image, as well as positive body image and mental health. Thus, positive body image fully mediates the relationship between nature exposure and mental health. The findings suggest that nature exposure may influence mental health by promoting positive body image. These findings were discussed in terms of implications on young adults’ mental health and interventions.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Mental health; Body image; Nature

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Embargo Period

3-28-2026

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Available for download on Saturday, March 28, 2026

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