Abstract
Abstract
What are the psychological benefits of going barefoot outside? This study sought answers toward that question and explored people's barefoot behaviors and beliefs. The choice to forgo footwear depends on a variety of factors, such as type of activity, terrain one expects to encounter, and ambient temperature. While previous research has explored barefoot running and identified some physical benefits of going barefoot, such as enhanced agility and ankle stability, no systematic research has investigated the possible psychological or emotional benefits of barefootedness. As a preliminary examination of the perceived psychological benefits of going barefoot, this study surveyed a convenience sample (n = 209) of adults of various ages. The participants were asked to indicate (1) barefoot preferences under different conditions and (2) related behaviors, beliefs, and feelings associated with going barefoot, especially going barefoot outside. The results show a positive association between going barefoot outside and feeling connected to nature, as measured by the connectedness to nature scale. Content analyses performed on responses to survey questions suggest that for the present sample, going barefoot outside, when safe and practical, is a simple and effective means to relax, experience sensual pleasure, and enhance the feeling of nature immersion. The results are discussed in the context of the benefits of nature contact, the value of childhood barefootedness, the potential of barefoot nature walking as an effective contemplative practice, and suggested future directions of research. Key Words: Barefoot—Nature connection.
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