Nature connection, pro-environmental behaviours and wellbeing: Understanding the mediating role of nature contact

Abstract

Nature connection is positively associated with wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours. However, the mediators of these relationships remain under-explored. This study examines the mediation effects of nature contact on the relationship between nature connection and wellbeing, and between nature connection and pro-environmental behaviours. Two types of nature contact are explored, routine weekly contact with urban nature (public urban nature spaces), and routine weekly time spent in a private, home outdoor area. A cross-sectional survey was administered to adult (≥ 18 years) residents of Brisbane, Australia, in May 2017 (N=1000). Using regression analysis and causal mediation analysis, our study shows that 1) nature connection is positively associated with wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours; 2) nature contact is a mediator of the relationship between nature connection and wellbeing, with weekly private outdoor contact accounting for 15–16% of the positive association, and weekly urban nature contact accounting for 24–31%, and 3) nature contact is a mediator of the relationship between nature connection and pro-environmental behaviour, in the form of conservation volunteering, with weekly private outdoor contact accounting for 10–13% of the positive association and weekly urban nature contact accounting for 14–19%. We conclude that the associations between nature connection and wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours are mediated by nature contact. Urban planners and policymakers should consider opportunities for urban residents to have weekly access to and contact with urban nature, both at home and in urban neighbourhoods, as a way to promote the co-benefits of enhanced wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour through nature connection.