A276: A Grounded Theory Study: Could Outdoor Hiking Foster Meaningfulness in Life for Urban Gen-Z?

Abstract

Urban Generation Z (youth born between 1995 and 2009 in cities) has grown up in highly digitized and urbanized environments, facing contemporary challenges such as social alienation and a lack of meaning in life. While outdoor hiking is recognized as a stress-relief activity, its specific mechanisms for fostering meaning in life among Generation Z remain unclear. Existing studies predominantly focus on the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor activities, neglecting the dynamic construction of meaning in life and particularly overlooking the unique characteristics of this generational cohort. This study aims to uncover the distinct pathways through which urban Generation Z derives meaning in life via outdoor hiking, constructing a meaning-generation model under the digital-nature interaction paradigm to inform intergenerational mental health interventions. Method: Combining field surveys, in-depth interviews, and grounded theory, this study engaged 23 Generation Z hiking enthusiasts (aged 18–26) from Zhejiang, Hunan, and Jiangxi provinces. Supplementary data included image-text logs from Xiaohongshu and Douyin platforms. Theoretical sampling ensured diversity, while NVivo 12 facilitated three-tier coding: 1) open coding extracted 1,562 meaning units (e.g., digital detox, nature immersion, community empathy ), categorized into 18 sub-themes; 2) axial coding synthesized four main themes: natural connection, self-reconstruction, value co-creation, and meaning continuity; 3) selective coding distilled the core category— Digital Natives’ Awakening of Meaning —forming the theoretical framework. Findings: Urban Generation Z’s hiking practices generate meaning through four pathways: Natural Connection: Sensory immersion in nature triggers embodied detox, reconstructing perceptions of reality post-digital disengagement. Self-Reconstruction: Physical challenges enhance self-efficacy, with social media narratives reinforcing growth identity. Value Co-Creation: Online-offline hybrid interactions foster belonging through knowledge sharing (equipment tips) and emotional support in hiking communities. Meaning Continuity: Symbolic integration of natural experiences into urban life establishes a dynamic meaning balance. The proposed Digitally Empowered Meaning Cycle model illustrates how Generation Z leverages digital tools to transform hiking experiences into sustainable meaning resources. Breaking from the traditional nature-humanities dichotomy, this study innovatively posits the Digital Native Meaning Awakening theory, revealing Generation Z’s unique meaning reconstruction through technological mediation—balancing digital detachment and re-embedding. Compared to prior research, it emphasizes generational traits in meaning generation. Limitations include samples concentrated in southern cities; future studies should incorporate rural counterparts and cross-cultural comparisons (e.g., Eastern vs. Western perspectives). Practically, the findings support designing Citywalk urban spaces and digital-nature hybrid therapeutic products to enhance mental health and social identity cohesion among Generation Z