Natural Connection Research Articles

Compared to financing options like bank loans, equity pledge financing is widely recognized among shareholders of listed companies due to its convenience, ability to raise funds at a low cost while retaining control. However, when a company's stock price declines to the liquidation threshold, pledged shareholders face the risk of losing control over their shares, which heightens their motivation to appropriate corporate assets or engage in earnings management to stabilize stock prices. State-owned enterprises benefit from natural political connections with the government, granting them advantages in financing and tax policies, as well as superior margin-call capabilities. Moreover, due to stricter and more complex conditions for equity transfers in state-owned enterprises, pledgees are more inclined to use private negotiation to cover loans. In contrast, private enterprises lack these policy and negotiation advantages, making their controlling shareholders more likely to resort to equity pledges to meet financial needs. However, in the event of a stock price drop, they often lack the capital to adequately cover margin calls, leading them to focus on controlling stock price fluctuations through earnings management. Thus, after pledging equity, private enterprises face intensified risks of asset appropriation and earnings management, prompting auditors to establish higher audit pricing to compensate for additional audit resources and hedge against increased audit risks.This study analyzes the relationship between controlling shareholders' equity pledges and audit pricing using data from China's A-share private listed companies between 2015 and 2020. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between equity pledges by controlling shareholders and audit pricing, with higher pledging levels leading to increased audit fees. Further analysis reveals that this significant positive relationship only exists in regions with higher marketization and among firms audited by the "Big Ten" accounting firms. The conclusions enrich the literature regarding the economic consequences of equity pledges and factors influencing audit pricing, providing valuable insights for corporate governance and market regulation.

In the Anthropocene epoch, opportunities for nature connectedness are diminishing, raising concerns for both individual well-being and the nurturing of environmental mindfulness in upcoming generations. The prevailing discussion emphasizes the urgency of strengthening our connection with nature, but this viewpoint still largely treats nature as a resource for human benefit. We believe that this human-centered perspective needs re-evaluation, and that a major shift of our understanding of the earth’s ecosystems and our role in it may be necessary. In this study we bring together the latest environmental science assessments on planetary health with eco-critical research and the field of design. We explore how non-technological and technological interventions can facilitate a reconnection with nature. With the ambition to not only evoke emotional resonance with nature, but to also use this as a starting point for collective reflections and joint co-creation of a more sustainable future, we endeavor into a transformative approach. As a first step, we carried out two explorative reflection workshops with different stakeholders: one in a rural setting and one in an urban one, using transformative experiences (disruptive eco-visualizations) as interventions with the intent to evoke an emotional response amongst the workshop participants. This emotional response was used as a starting point for reflections on our current and potential future role as humans in the eco-system. The results show that the participants in the first workshop achieved a reconnection with nature, but some also showed signs of biophobia. In the second workshop, the young participants showed a very cynical view of the future of humanity through the use of art and sense of humor. These results point to the fact that it is more urgent than ever to find ways to reconnect people with nature, especially young adults, to counter the effects of eco-anxiety.

Nature connectedness is increasingly recognised as a causal issue in environmental crises and a powerful strategy for transformative change. However, little is known about how it varies across countries and the macro-level factors that influence the human-nature relationship at a societal level. Using a large dataset (N = 56 968) from a diverse set of 61 countries, this study explored how both objective country-level indicators of the socio-ecological context and subjective country-level indicators of socio-political values were related to nature connectedness. Using linear, factor, and network analysis, several objective (urbanicity and business environment) and subjective country indicators (scientific and religious values) were significantly associated with nature connectedness. These and other factors are combined into a proposed conceptual model of key macro-factors in the human-nature relationship that can inform future research and policy initiatives.

Nature connectedness in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Urbanisation profoundly disrupts natural hydrological connectivity (HC), yet its spatiotemporal dynamics in urban watersheds remain insufficiently explored. This study introduces a novel tracer‐based framework that separates total, natural, surface, and shallow subsurface HC using a process‐based distributed model (VELMA). Unlike conventional approaches that simulate integrated flows, our method separates pipe‐influenced routing to reveal the ecological structure of natural HC, which is critical for watershed resilience. By assigning unique tracers to each sub‐catchment, the approach provides spatially explicit and temporally resolved insights into connectivity patterns that conventional aggregate runoff metrics cannot capture. Application to a highly urbanised watershed in Seattle, USA (0.67 km 2 , 53% impervious) reveals several novel dynamics. Subsurface HC persists during dry periods and can exceed surface HC once antecedent moisture passes a soil filling threshold, demonstrating a clear memory effect, whereas extreme storms suppress subsurface contributions due to rapid surface runoff. Spatially, connectivity emerged not only downstream but also in unexpected upstream areas, while some mid to downstream units remained disconnected. During dry periods, when forest sub‐catchments were disconnected, several upstream urban sub‐catchments sustained measurable HC, with upstream areas showing stronger connectivity than downstream regions, underscoring the role of hidden subsurface pathways and drainage alignments. These findings demonstrate that drainage infrastructure obscures and reshapes natural connectivity, while the tracer‐informed framework reveals threshold behaviours, state‐dependent persistence, and spatial anomalies otherwise hidden in urban watersheds. Beyond methodological innovation, the results provide a diagnostic basis for identifying vulnerable or restoration‐prone sub‐catchments, offering new insights for resilience‐oriented urban water management.

Enhancing geothermal energy recovery in Yangbajing: The role of natural and artificial fracture connectivity in EGS performance

The role of nature connectedness in facial dissatisfaction and body appreciation: The mediating effect of appearance-contingent self-worth in a cross-cultural context

Impacts of more immediate and less immediate nature experiences on young adults’ mental health: The mediating role of nature connectedness in a compact city in China

Abstract The water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus has emerged as a useful concept to describe and address complex interdependencies in natural resource governance. However, most existing research predominantly emphasizes biophysical and economic dimensions, overlooking the social and cultural dimensions of the nexus and how communities perceive and value these interconnections at diverse local scales. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating the Diverse Values of Nature framework (IPBES) and the Human–Nature Connectedness (HNC) framework into WEFE nexus research, to explore how communities relate to WEFE systems and how these relations influence and shape the perception of well-being and sustainable natural resources governance. We conducted 110 semi-structured interviews across seven Mediterranean case studies (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Italy), focusing on agricultural actors. The interviews were analyzed to identify value types (instrumental, intrinsic, and relational), HNC dimensions (material, experiential, cognitive, emotional, and philosophical), and links to diverse components of human well-being, which local actors associated with their WEFE nexus systems across the seven case studies. Results reveal that instrumental values dominate across the analyzed case studies, while intrinsic and relational values also play a crucial role in shaping governance priorities. In addition, the emotional and philosophical dimension of HNC emerged as key leverage points for governance transformations of the WEFE nexus. Additionally, case-specific contrasts and variations (e.g., varying levels of emotional bonds attached to diverse WEFE nexus systems) highlight the important need for applying context-sensitive and place-based approaches. Based on these findings, we argue that integrating non-monetary values, context-sensitive approaches, and human–nature relationships into WEFE governance could be essential for recognizing and supporting diverse worldviews, local knowledge systems, and cultural identities. This study contributes to advancing nexus thinking by demonstrating how social values and human–nature connections, not just monetary or biophysical trade-offs, in systems can inform transformative changes in WEFE nexus approaches and natural resource governance. This study advances nexus thinking beyond technical efficiency, advocating for inclusive, adaptive, and equity-centered approach.

Human-animal interactions have been unique and pivotal forms of existence since the cradle of human civilisation. The nexus between the two is well established through domestication and friendly interactions wherever possible. This interaction modifies human and animal behaviour and illustrates the positive change in their defined behaviours through natural connections established as a consequence of mutualism and its resultant mutual benefits. The present research is aimed at shedding light on achieving overall well being through human-animal interactions through cow-cuddling. The present research portrays positive mutual benefits for both cows and humans, obtained by positive mental benefits and relaxation. The Gopali Ashram Gaushala of Kharagpur, India, is used as our sample case study. The current research finds that the heart rate of cows declines significantly after cow cuddling and hugging by human beings. This generates a positive aura and is often considered good for the cow’s health and milk production as well. The cows show definite positive mental peace and calmness, well exhibited by their ears, tail, and other body language. On the other hand, humans also obtain benefits like mental peace and calmness and a feeling of satisfaction and connection with nature through cow cuddling. Human beings also show distinct decrements in their pulse rates as more mental peace and relaxation are obtained. These characteristics were measured and analysed using statistical analysis and word cloud analysis. The findings portray positive benefits for both cows and humans through positive interactions. Therefore, cow-cuddling offers a new, diverse alternative form of cow-pathy or treatment of humans through cows in the long run. Thus, in the era of a cosmopolitan world, cow cuddling offers a unique way of establishing a natural connection through human-animal interactions, which ultimately is important for attaining sustainable development in the future.

Abstract We aimed to evaluate the mental health benefits and possible mechanisms of objective and subjective treescape exposures whilst also accounting for relationships with residential area greenspace in general. Independent variables were objective measures of residential neighbourhood tree cover density and woody linear features, and a subjective measure of perceived neighbourhood treescape richness. Outcome variables were four standard measures of positive mental health and two of psychological distress. Questionnaire survey data ( N = 1376) were merged with neighbourhood treescape and greenspace data on residential postcode. A structural equation model tested a set of theorised pathways from neighbourhood nature exposures to mental health outcomes, with indirect effects via nature connectedness, satisfaction with the local natural environment and nature visit exposure. A sensitivity analysis assessed whether observed effects were a mediated function of childhood exposure to nature. Tree cover density and woody linear features were positively associated with perceived neighbourhood treescape richness. With the exception of a positive relationship between tree cover density and life satisfaction, the total effects of tree cover density and woody linear features were not significantly associated with positive mental health or psychological distress outcomes despite some significant specific indirect effects. In contrast, the total effects of perceived neighbourhood treescape richness were positively associated with positive mental health and negatively associated with psychological distress outcomes. The total effects of neighbourhood greenspace were not significantly associated with positive mental health or psychological distress outcomes despite some significant specific indirect effects. In all cases, nature visit exposure was positively associated with positive mental health and negatively associated with psychological distress outcomes. Neighbourhood nature satisfaction was positively associated with all the positive mental health outcomes and negatively associated with one of the two psychological distress outcomes. Nature connection was positively associated with all the positive mental health outcomes, but, contrary to expectations, was positively associated with both psychological distress outcomes. Policy implications . Residents' perceptions of treescapes generally matter more for their mental health than objective measures of treescapes, so policy should promote meaningful engagement with treescapes to achieve the greatest benefits. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract A large body of literature illustrates that nature connection is associated with both higher wellbeing and a greater likelihood of displaying more pro‐environmental behaviours. This indicates that higher nature connection is an important leverage point for sustainability. It is important to understand correlates of nature connection to improve both individual well‐being, and the health of the planet. This study is the first survey to explore nature connection and its variation across diverse geographies and environments at a national‐level in Australia. We aim to understand the overall level of nature connection in Australia, the socio‐demographic correlates of nature connection and the barriers to connecting with nature. The distributions of nature connection according to two different instruments: the CN‐12 and the INS indicate that nature connection is relatively high in Australia. Nature connection is higher for older Australians, individuals who identify as female, individuals who grew up in rural or regional area, those who work part‐time or are self‐employed, Indigenous Australians and those who speak a language other than English. Being time poor is the most common barrier to engaging with nature, with individuals on higher incomes being more likely to identify this barrier. Other barriers, such as lack of access, cost of access and safety concerns, were more likely to be raised by people on lower incomes. Our research identifies numerous structural barriers to engaging with nature that have global relevance and indicate the need for socio‐ecological policy reforms. Policy implications. Our research points to valuable policy levers such as increasing green space in urban areas, enhancing opportunities for meaningful interactions in nature and addressing structural inequalities to enhance access to nature for certain groups. Doing so will help create positive change for both people and planet. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

ABSTRACT Environmental factors play a significant role in shaping young children's connectedness to nature (CN). Among these factors, mothers, as primary caregivers, exert the most immediate influence on the development of children’s CN. This study applies Ecological Systems Theory to examine how mothers’ CN affects their children’s CN, particularly through the indirect effects of mother–child engagement in pro-environmental activities and children’s time spent in natural environments. Survey data from 229 mothers of five-year-old children were analyzed using structural equation modelling. Results revealed a positive association between mothers’ and children’s CN, with both mother–child engagement in pro-environmental activities and time spent in natural environments showing significant indirect effects on children’s CN. These findings underscore the potential of mother-led pro-environmental activities and increased exposure to nature to strengthen psychological bonds with the natural world, thereby promoting children’s environmental awareness and literacy.

This research deals about the Nature and human connection in “Tintern Abbey” shows the ecological theme. For the analysis of this paper nature and human connection, glorification of nature and ecological cycle have been presented as research questions. It reflects about the importance of nature for the living of human beings. This research is based on library work. It is applied on the qualitative methodology and explanatory method. Human beings and nature are interconnected to each other and there are threats for the human and nature connection. It shows the human memory is affected by nature. Ecological disasters caused by human beings cause ecological imbalance. For ecological balance in the environment it is necessary to maintain harmony between ecology and human beings. Human and ecological harmony leads to the mental growth of human beings. There is good bonding between human and nature. Nature is the source for food, happiness and peace for human beings. It tracks environmental ideas in connections to human beings. Nature and human are interconnected to one other.

Whole person health care offers a number of potential benefits including better health outcomes for patients, decreased health care utilization, and lower overall costs of care. With its emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, whole person health also has great potential to help align health care with planetary health by decreasing both direct and indirect environmental impacts associated with conventional medicine. In addition, by emphasizing plant-based and plant-forward nutrition, active transportation, mindfulness, and nature connection, whole person care is poised to contribute to the societal transformation needed to overcome the planetary health challenges we face. This essay, in response to the recent article Making the Case for Whole Person Health, provides an overview of the bi-directional connections between health care and planetary health, and emphasizes how whole person care offers a pathway forward for the health care industry that is better for both people and the planet.

Urban year-round green exercise (YRGE)—defined as moderate to vigorous physical activity performed regularly in natural urban settings throughout all seasons and weather conditions—has the potential to promote health, well-being, and social connectedness. This study investigates the relationship between YRGE and individuals’ perceived health status, psychological well-being, and reasons for engagement. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 408 adult participants engaged in urban green exercise. The findings indicate that physical activity in adverse meteorological conditions, such as rain, cold, and wind, is positively associated with perceived current health, health over the past 12 months, and well-being. Social connectedness is particularly influenced by environmental factors like sun exposure and heat. The study also reveals key motivational factors for YRGE participation, including improving health and fitness, disconnecting from everyday life, enjoying nature, and experiencing tranquility, with significant variation depending on age and individual nature connectedness. These results suggest that YRGE serves as an accessible and inclusive public health intervention with consistent benefits across socio-demographic groups. Urban planning and health promotion initiatives should prioritize the maintenance and accessibility of urban green spaces and offer guided YRGE programs to encourage sustainable participation across the population.

Abstract Objectives Spiritual well-being, characterized by enhanced feelings of connection with self, others, nature, and the transcendent, significantly contributes to mental health and provides unique benefits that extend beyond other dimensions of well-being, such as emotional or physical well-being. This study explored the acceptability and potential benefits of an innovative nature-based contemplation intervention integrating mindful awareness with contemplative practice to promote spiritual well-being. Method A mixed-methods, single-arm pilot study recruited 41 Dutch adults who completed ten 30-min sessions over 2 weeks. Each session involved guided mindful awareness and contemplative practice in natural settings. Quantitative assessments were conducted at baseline, at post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups and were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Qualitative interviews explored participant experiences through thematic analysis. Results Spiritual well-being showed significant immediate improvements (g = 0.22–0.31) that were not maintained at follow-ups. Emotional well-being demonstrated sustained significant improvements across all time points. Nature connectedness (g = 0.38) and social well-being (g = 0.40) exhibited delayed effects emerging only at 1-month follow-up. Participants reported moderate to high satisfaction with the intervention, though qualitative analysis revealed implementation challenges, particularly with the contemplative component, alongside benefits including enhanced calm, increased awareness, and deeper nature connection. Conclusions Nature-based contemplation represents an acceptable intervention with promising short-term effects on multiple well-being dimensions. However, further refinement is needed to optimize sustainability and long-term effectiveness in promoting spiritual well-being, particularly simplifying contemplative instructions and enhancing session variety. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.

ABSTRACT In this article, we examine whether nature exposure is a positive predictor of employees’ recovery from work. Drawing on the effort recovery (ER) model, we hypothesize a dual mediation model of indirect links between nature exposure and affective well-being (i.e., positive activation, serenity, negative activation, fatigue) via recovery experiences (i.e., relaxation, psychological detachment). Furthermore, we explore whether nature connectedness moderates the relationship between nature exposure and recovery experiences. In a daily diary design over two consecutive weekends on Saturday and Sunday, 100 employees filled in three daily questionnaires, resulting in 360 observations of nature exposure, recovery experiences during the day, and affective well-being in the evening. Mediation analyses based on multilevel structural equation modelling revealed indirect positive effects of nature exposure on serenity and indirect negative effects on negative activation via relaxation. The indirect effects of nature exposure on positive activation and fatigue were not supported. Furthermore, nature connectedness did not function as a significant cross-level moderator. With this study, we contribute to research on recovery by adding an environmental component to the recovery framework, and we discuss the practical implications of our findings for policymakers, organizations, and employees.

ABSTRACT English schools often adopt traditional Physical Education, which can limit pupil development, exclude less capable students, and lack real-life relevance. Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA) offer an alternative through experiential learning, collaboration, problem-solving, nature connection, and risk management. Since OAA is compulsory, teacher preparation is essential. However, little is known about whether initial teacher education (ITE) equips pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the required knowledge, skills, and confidence. This study, using Occupational Socialisation Theory, explored influences on PSTs’ learning and teaching of OAA during ITE, focusing on school placements. A case study included interviews with 13 PSTs (five Generalists, eight PE Specialists) on a postgraduate teacher education course and two university staff. Findings showed limited school opportunities to practice PE and OAA, reliance on residentials and external providers, PE specialists’ confidence despite limited knowledge, and generalists’ lack of preparation. The study informs teacher education, outsourcing research, and professional development in OAA.

With the characteristic of “decentralized distribution and local power supply”, small hydropower (SHP) in China has become a core means of solving the problem of insufficient power supply in rural and remote mountainous areas, effectively promoting the improvement of local livelihoods. However, for a long time, SHP has had many problems, such as irrational development, old equipment, and poor economic efficiency, resulting in some rivers with connectivity loss and reduced biodiversity, etc. The Chishui River Watershed is an ecologically valuable river in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. As an important habitat for rare fish in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the only large-scale tributary that maintains a natural flow pattern, the SHP plants’ dismantling and ecological restoration practices in the Chishui River Watershed can set a model for regional sustainable development. This paper adopts the methods of literature review, field research, and case study analysis, combined with the comparison of ecological conditions before and after the dismantling, to systematically analyze the effectiveness and challenges of SHP rectification in the Chishui River Watershed. The study found that after dismantling 88.2% of SHP plants in ecologically sensitive areas, the number of fish species upstream and downstream of the original dam site increased by about 6.67% and 70%, respectively; the natural hydrological connectivity has been restored to the downstream of the Tongzi River, the Gulin River and other rivers, but there are short-term problems such as sediment underflow, increased economic pressure, and the gap of alternative energy sources; the retained power stations have achieved the success and challenges of power generation and ecological management ecological flow control and comprehensive utilization, achieving a balance between power generation and ecological protection. Based on the above findings, the author proposes dynamic monitoring and interdisciplinary tracking research to fill the gap of systematic data support and long-term effect research in the SHP exit mechanism, and the results can provide a reference for the green transition of SHP.