Smith, Courtney2024-07-052024-07-052022https://hdl.handle.net/2440/141538This item is only available electronically.Physical activity in nature, known as green exercise, is associated with numerous positive well-being outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms within this relationship remain largely unknown. Growing research has indicated that nature connection may be a factor that contributes to enhanced well-being. Further, the role of nature access and socioeconomic status have not been previously explored in the relationship between green exercise, nature connection and well-being. Therefore, the current study explored whether nature connection mediates the relationship between green exercise and well-being, and whether this mediated relationship was moderated by nature accessibility and socioeconomic status. Participants (N = 223) recruited via student samples and on-campus advertisements completed an online survey assessing various aspects of participants' physical activity, nature engagement and well-being. Results of correlational analysis revealed positive associations between duration of green exercise, nature connection and well-being. However, nature connection was not a significant mediator of the relationship between green exercise and well-being. In addition, nature access and socioeconomic status were not significant moderators in the strength of the relationship between green exercise and nature connection - though the results of these interactions were trending in the predicted direction. While inconsistent with the hypotheses, these findings may contribute to emerging trend in research that suggests nature connection is more reliably associated certain aspects of well-being only. Future research is needed to better understand mechanisms for increasing well-being via green exercise, and whether there are differences in access amongst social groups. Keywords: green exercise, nature connection, well-being, nature accessibility, socioeconomic statusHonours; PsychologyThesis