Nature relatedness scale: Validity and reliability in the Persian context, factors constructing and influencing it.

Abstract

Psychologically unsustainability stems from the disconnection of humans from the natural environment. Signs of this disconnection have led to the creation of variables generally called "Nature Connectedness" (NC) to measure this relationship. This study is a type of quantitative research, and the method used was a survey. It aimed to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the Nature Relatedness (NR) scale, determine the factors and items constructing, and the variables influencing the NR scale in the Persian context. The NR scale is one of the most used measures in this field and is measured with three factors: Self, Perspective, and Experience. The subjects consisted of 296 students who studied at Shiraz University, School of Agriculture. Based on the construct validity and reliability analysis, the factors and items making up the NR scale were declared valid and reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.05). Thus, in this study we deliver one scale for NR which according to validity and reliability indices is appropriate and could be used in future research. SMC values of the observed variables resulting from structural equation modeling showed considerable values. Overall, regression analysis could explain nearly fifty percent in changes of the NR scale through two variables of mindfulness and pro-environmental behaviors. The findings of this research can provide theoretical and practical implications for developing the NR construct. Our findings encourage policies that pay more attention to environmental plans and urban design that promote NC among communities.