Connectedness and wellbeing: Community and nature-based connection in the context of Utah’s rapid growth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research suggests that feeling connected to the natural world and feeling socially connected to your community positively influence wellbeing. However, significant demographic shifts within communities may reduce the amount of social and nature-based connectedness enjoyed by residents. As one of the fastest growing states, data from within Utah provides important insights related to how population growth impacts connectedness and wellbeing. The goal of this research was to investigate how community connection and connection with nature are associated with personal wellbeing and how population growth, both in terms of actual growth rates and subjective assessments of population growth, influence connectedness and wellbeing. Results indicate that people within the Utah study communities are aware of and sensitive to changes within and beyond their communities, and these perceptions appear to be more impactful for connectedness and wellbeing than the actual growth rates their cities are experiencing.