The Moderating Effects of Gender and Dispositional Mindful Observation on the Relationship between Nature Contact and Psychological Distress: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Abstract

Nature conservation is an essential topic in the area of sustainability. Understanding how nature benefits humans, particularly human mental health, contributes to the awareness and promotion of nature conservation. A growing number of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of nature on human well-being. However, not all individuals derive the same benefits from engaging with nature. Dispositional mindful observation may play a significant role in the interaction between humans and nature, subsequently influencing the degree of benefit attained. In exploring an efficacious approach to amplify the benefits of nature, this study examined the moderating impact of gender and dispositional mindful observation on the association between nature contact and psychological distress. A total of 786 Chinese participants (490 females; mean age = 22.39 years) were recruited to complete an online survey regarding nature contact, dispositional mindful observation, and psychological distress. The results revealed that dispositional mindful observation significantly moderated the relationship between nature contact and psychological distress. Higher dispositional mindful observation significantly amplified the positive impact of contact with nature on mental health. Body observation showed the strongest moderating effect among the three dispositional mindful observation facets, followed by emotional awareness and external perception. No significant gender difference was found in the mental health benefits of nature contact. In conclusion, dispositional mindful observation may be a valuable focus for amplifying the mental health benefits obtained from engaging with nature.