Abstract
Nature experiences have been linked to mental and physical health. Despite the importance of understanding what determines individual variation in nature experience, the role of genes has been overlooked. Here, using a twin design (TwinsUK, number of individuals = 2,306), we investigate the genetic and environmental contributions to a person’s nature orientation, opportunity (living in less urbanized areas), and different dimensions of nature experience (frequency and duration of public nature space visits and frequency and duration of garden visits). We estimate moderate heritability of nature orientation (46%) and nature experiences (48% for frequency of public nature space visits, 34% for frequency of garden visits, and 38% for duration of garden visits) and show their genetic components partially overlap. We also find that the environmental influences on nature experiences are moderated by the level of urbanization of the home district. Our study demonstrates genetic contributions to individuals’ nature experiences, opening a new dimension for the study of human–nature interactions.
Highlights
In recent decades, human populations have shifted markedly from rural to urban environments, with more than 55% of people living in cities [1]
In our multivariate ACE model, nature orientation (heritability = 46%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 26% to 67%), frequency of public nature space visits, frequency of garden visits, and duration of garden visits were moderately heritable (Fig 2)
These results indicate that genetic components of individual variation in nature orientation and frequency of nature experiences are partially shared; a higher level of nature orientation may predispose individuals to visit parks and gardens more frequently or vice versa
Summary
Human populations have shifted markedly from rural to urban environments, with more than 55% of people living in cities [1]. While there are advantages to urbanization, urban living is, associated with poorer mental health, reduced subjective well-being, and a higher risk of psychiatric disorders [2,3,4]. A reduction in nature experiences in urban environments has been shown to be a key risk factor for mental health issues and is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression [5,6,7]. There is marked variation in the extent to which individuals within populations have nature experiences [8,9,10], and this inevitably affects who receives the associated physical and psychological benefits from experiencing nature [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
