Eco-Parenting as A Nature-Based, Family-Centred Psychoeducational Approach: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of Parental Psychological Well-Being and Family Experiences

Abstract

Parental psychological well-being is important for healthy family functioning, while nature-based activities may support parent–child relationships, environmental awareness and positive parenting practices. This mixed-methods pilot study examined parental psychological well-being and explored parents’ experiences of participating in the Eco-Parenting: Nature-Based Family Therapy programme. The quantitative component involved 33 parents and assessed six dimensions of psychological well-being: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Descriptive statistics were complemented by thematic analysis of reflective Parenting Journaling entries. Overall psychological well-being was moderate (M = 4.14, SD = 0.430), with positive relations with others recording the highest score (M = 4.97, SD = 0.891), followed by self-acceptance (M = 4.87, SD = 1.000) and purpose in life (M = 4.78, SD = 0.710). Autonomy recorded the lowest score (M = 2.10, SD = 1.010). Thematic analysis identified six themes which is environmental awareness and responsibility, family relationships and communication, positive emotional experiences and perceived family well-being, discipline and responsibility, Eco-Parenting routines and family commitment, and challenges in sustaining practices. The integrated findings highlight strong relational resources and suggest that nature-based family activities provide meaningful opportunities for parent–child engagement, communication and environmental responsibility. These preliminary findings support Eco-Parenting as a family-centred, nature-based psychoeducational approach, while further controlled and longitudinal research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness.