At the Rīga Stradiņš University International Student Conference 2025, Psychology master’s student Iveta Rēdliha presented her study titled “Exploring Disconnection from Nature in Higher Education: Student-Centered Solutions.” The research was conducted within the GreenTouch project under the supervision of Professor Kristīne Mārtinsone and Assistant Professor Ingūna Griškēviča from the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy.
The study investigated university students’ experiences with nature, identified factors contributing to their disconnection, and proposed practical strategies to restore this essential relationship. Using an inductive qualitative methodology, data were collected through structured interviews with both international and national focus groups. The analysis yielded eight thematic categories, including personal nature experiences, sociocultural influences, the role of academic environments in nature disconnection, and the potential of digital tools to foster renewed engagement with nature. Key findings highlighted that limited access to green spaces, academic stress, and screen overuse were leading causes of disconnection.
Student-generated solutions for nature-based digital interventions will inform the ongoing development of the GreenTouch digital tool. Iveta’s presentation earned third place in the psychology oral presentation category—congratulations!