Nature Relatedness Scale Research Articles

Diet quality is positively associated with nature Relatedness in a U.S. Population: A pilot study

BackgroundSustainable dietary practices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote planetary health. The importance of investigating how to promote sustainable dietary practices is therefore crucial. Nature Relatedness measures an individual’s connection to nature and can predict environmental concern and stewardship. While emerging research has suggested those with a higher degree of Nature Relatedness report the intention to follow more sustainable dietary practices, the relationship between actual dietary intake and Nature Relatedness has yet to be fully explored. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the relationship between diet quality and Nature Relatedness. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, participants across the United States completed the online survey from September to November 2023. Diet History Questionnaire II and Nature Relatedness scale were completed by the participants. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020 total and component scores. Nature Relatedness total and subscale scores were computed. Pearson and Spearman Rho correlation coefficients assessed associations between HEI-2020 and Nature Relatedness. Simple linear regression models examined the relationships between HEI-2020 total and component scores and Nature Relatedness (controlling for age, gender, race, and education). ResultsThree hundred adults completed the study. HEI-2020 total score was positively associated with Nature Relatedness (p < 0.001). Total fruit, total vegetable, green and beans, and refined grains component scores were positively associated with Nature Relatedness (p < 0.001). Nature Relatedness significantly predicted diet quality and total fruit, total vegetable, greens and beans, and moderation of refined grains consumption. ConclusionsThere are positive and significant relationships between diet quality, components of dietary intake that may promote planetary health, and Nature Relatedness. Our findings may be used to inform future research and nutrition intervention programs promoting personal and planetary health through nature-based interventions.

Exploring autonomous and controlled motivations for nature contact to maximise health benefits

Abstract Increasing evidence indicates contact with nature supports mental, physical and social health. However, beyond a widely reported number of barriers to nature contact, the constellation of motivations for human contact with nature is under‐theorised and under‐studied. We begin to develop indicators of autonomous and controlled motivations for nature contact informed by self‐determination theory. These include intrinsic motivation (i.e. enjoyment), integrated regulation (alignment with identify and life goals), identified regulation (a means to an end), introjected regulation (emotional reasons like guilt avoidance) and external regulation (such as peer pressure). We compare these motivation indices in a nationally representative sample of 5082 adults in Australia in 2022 with the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR6), and also test associations between them and five outcomes: time spent in nature, smartphone use in nature, interest in nature prescriptions, physical activity and self‐rated health. Statistical analyses were adjusted for potential confounding. Results demonstrate people have complex mixtures of motivations with varying potency for visiting natural settings and the extent to which those motives are autonomous or controlled matters for what they do, and the benefits accrued. For example, our analyses show that more direct considerations of intrinsic, integrated and identified forms of autonomous motivation have superior explanatory power than the NR6 for time spent in nature, interest in nature prescriptions, adherence to physical activity recommendations and self‐rated health. External regulations emphasising peer approval were associated not only with no additional time in nature but also with more distractive activities when in natural environments, as defined by more smartphone and social media use while there. While introjected regulations emphasising guilt avoidance were associated with increased nature contact, they were similarly associated with time spent on smartphones and social media when in natural environments, which has been shown to undermine restoration. Synthesis and applications: We need to formally measure autonomous and controlled motivations for nature contact to better understand both why some people visit natural environments, and whether they are mindfully maximising the health benefits of those experiences. This will help to inform robust nature‐based interventions that are acceptable, effective and sustainable for everyone. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Nature Relatedness Scale: psychometric properties of the Portuguese version

Environmental education would strongly benefit from a socioecological approach that encompasses the human-nature relationship in all its dimensions. Nature relatedness appears to be an essential trait to ensure effective approaches, promoting the development of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. but also, human well-being through nature-derived benefits. To our knowledge, there are no available instruments validated for the Portuguese population to assess nature connectedness. This study aims to fill this gap, by validating the short and full versions of the Nature Relatedness Scale for the Portuguese population. The translation and adaptation of the questionnaire comply with international guidelines in this field and validation was conducted with 456 Portuguese participants with a mean age of 32.95 (SD = 11.45, age range = 18–77) years, mostly female (n = 328; 71.9%). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original three-factor latent structure of the full Nature Relatedness Scale, and the short version of the instrument with six items, obtained an adequate fit. These two versions of the instrument showed adequate validity to be used with the Portuguese population.

The Influence of Characteristic Strengths on Nature Relatedness in Generation Z

The many environmental problems, issues, and natural disasters make Generation Z feel compelled to carry out activities that reflect environmental concerns. One cannot be moved to carry out these noble activities voluntarily if one’s characteristics do not refer to positive characteristics. Various factors, including individual characteristics, influence a person’s tendency to engage in environmentally friendly activities. This research aims to see the relationship between characteristic strengths and nature relatedness, especially in Generation Z. This study used a quantitative method, with 301 generations Z subjects born in 1997–2012 in Indonesia who were selected using accidental sampling. Instruments in this study were the Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS) and the Values in Action Inventory Strength of Youth (VIA-Youth). The results of the research showed that there is a significant effect of characteristic strengths on nature-relatedness (significance value = 0.000 &lt; 0.05). From the three dimensions of characteristic strengths, only the transcendence strength does not affect naturerelatedness (significance value = 0.062 &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Keywords: characteristic strengths, generation Z, nature relatedness

Participation in an indigenous Amazonian-led ayahuasca retreat associated with increases in nature relatedness – a pilot study

Indigenous Amazonian shamanic ayahuasca practice is embedded in a nature-based context and is employed as an ecological mediating agent and in collective environmental decision-making processes by some of the groups that use it. Phenomenologically, the ayahuasca experience is often rich in nature-based themes and content, and its usage has been associated with eliciting shifts in perspectives and attitudes towards nature. In this proof-of-concept study, participation in an ayahuasca retreat in a traditional Indigenous Amazonian context (with a mean of 6.31 ceremonies attended) was associated with significant increases in nature relatedness directly following ayahuasca retreats as assessed via the Short form Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-6) and The Extended Inclusion of Nature in Self scale (EINS), and improvements in depression and stress as assessed via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were also found, but not on the anxiety subscale. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation with moderate effect size was found between changes in nature-relatedness and stress, suggesting that an increase in nature relatedness is associated with decreased stress levels after attending Amazonian ayahuasca retreats in our sample. It is currently unclear if the changes seen were due to consumption of the ayahuasca brew, participation in ceremony, or the retreat setting itself. Although this pilot study suggests a potential therapeutic role for Amazonian ayahuasca retreats as a multidimensional intervention, further work is required to assess the role of possible mediators underlying such shifts, while evaluating to what extent these are sustained for long term.

The Chinese Translation and Back-translation of the Three-dimensional Nature Relatedness Scale

The Chinese Translation and Back-translation of the Three-dimensional Nature Relatedness Scale

The Chinese Translation and Back-Translation of the Three-Dimensional Nature Relatedness Scale

The Chinese Translation and Back-Translation of the Three-Dimensional Nature Relatedness Scale

Cross-cultural validity of the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-6) and links with wellbeing

Nature relatedness refers to individual differences in subjective connectedness with the natural environment. We aimed to cross-culturally validate the Nature Relatedness scale and examine links between nature relatedness and wellbeing. We also tested whether spirituality or self-transcendent emotions such as gratitude mediate the relationship between nature relatedness and wellbeing. University student participants (N = 798) from four countries (Hungary, India, South Korea, and Canada) completed the short-form Nature Relatedness scale (NR-6; Nisbet &amp; Zelenski, 2013), the Inclusion of Nature in Self scale (Schultz, 2002a), and measures of hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Cross-cultural differences were found in a number of nature relatedness principal components, as well as differences in links between nature relatedness, spirituality, and wellbeing. In all four countries, gratitude formed a significant indirect path from nature relatedness to mental health and quality of life. The findings suggest that spiritual aspects of human-nature relationships may contribute to wellbeing across cultures.

Supplementary informationfor: Cross-cultural validity of the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-6) and links with wellbeing

Supplementary informationfor: Cross-cultural validity of the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-6) and links with wellbeing

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

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.

Exercise Promotion in Saudi Arabia: Understanding Personal, Environmental, and Social Determinants of Physical Activity Participation and Well-Being.

Physical activity promotion has received increasing attention globally due to the considerable benefits of regular activity for population health and well-being. In Saudi Arabia, government strategy explicitly aims to increase physical activity participation among residents. This study assessed the barriers to physical activity among the general Saudi population including any age and gender differences and examined the contribution of contextual factors and nature relatedness to health and well-being. A representative sample of 1046 Saudi adults (aged 18 years and above) completed an online survey that included four validated scales: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form, the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale, the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index and the Nature Relatedness Scale. Analyses indicated that young Saudi adults perceived more barriers than middle-aged and older adults, but few gender differences were observed. Furthermore, exercising outdoors, with other people and via sport predicted higher levels of mental well-being, as did nature relatedness. Therefore, developing a comprehensive strategy package that includes the development of outdoor environments for all age groups across regions and fostering a connection with nature may be particularly effective to improve the health and well-being of Saudi adults.

Brighten up the Rainbow: Ecology-Based Group Work for LGBTQ+ People

ABSTRACT This research was carried out as a pretest-posttest experimental study in order to evaluate the effect of ecology-based group work on 18 LGBTQ+ people living in different districts of Istanbul. The study group of the research carried out between July 2022 and August 2022 consists of 18 LGBTQ+ people, between the ages of 19–22. Study participants were randomly selected for each group and assigned to the experimental and control groups. In addition to the Personal Information Form, the Flourishing Scale, the Nature Relatedness Scale, and the Depression Stress and Anxiety Scale (DASS21) were applied to the study group as pretest-posttest. Socializing, hiking, gardening, and human-animal interaction activities were held in the group work sessions consisting of 6 sessions on Saturdays at 13.00. In addition to all these activities, some documentaries on ecology were also suggested for the participants to watch, to be discussed in different sessions. The collected data were analyzed in the SPSS 22.0 package program. At the end of the group work, it was observed that there was a significant difference in the total scores of the Flourishing Scale, the Nature Relatedness Scale, and Depression Stress and Anxiety Scale (DASS21) of LGBTQ+ people in the experimental group.

Hakuna matata! Can campus green spaces be restorative? A case study from Tanzania

Background: The majority of studies reporting the beneficial effects of urban green spaces on mental health, well-being and restoration have been conducted in developed and high-income countries. The present study explores the association of urban green spaces with mental health and restoration in a low/middle income country (LMIC) following exposure to the University of Dar Es Salaam’s green spaces in Tanzania. Methods: In February 2022 an online survey was conducted among 108 participants working and studying on the University campus on their exposure to the University&amp;#x27;s green spaces (perceived greenness, quality, duration, frequency, availability, motivation and NDVI) and the impact on their mental health. Mental wellbeing and restoration were assessed with the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) and Restoration Outcome Scale (ROS) respectively, while Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS-6) was used to determine the participants’ connectedness with nature. Results: Participants’ mental health improved after visiting the University’s green spaces (WEMWBS: Mean= 24.7, SD = 4.6, ROS: Mean= 4.9, SD = 1.2). Multiple linear regression indicated an association between green space exposure and mental health. Participants’ mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) was positively associated with the motivation to visit the University campus’s green spaces (p&amp;#x3c;0.05). Objective greenness (NDVI) of the study areas (81% chose to spend their time in study areas with high NDVI, p&amp;#x3c;0.05) and nature relatedness scale (NRS-6) (Mean = 3.9, SD = 0.8, p&amp;#x3c;0.05) were both positively associated to restoration(ROS). Conclusions: Our findings show the positive association between campus green space exposure and mental health improvement in an LMIC context, particularly for objective greenness and nature relatedness. Furthermore, the motivation for visiting green spaces can play an essential role in mental well-being and restoration. Keywords: University, campus, green spaces, LMIC, mental wellbeing, restoration

Connection to nature and time spent in gardens predicts social cohesion

A person’s health and wellbeing are contingent on the amount of social support that they receive. Similarly, experiencing nature has been shown to improve people’s health and wellbeing. However, we do not know how relationships between social cohesion, nature experiences and nature connection could interrelate and vary across different types of urban green spaces, and in non-Westernised cultures. We conducted a study on 1249 residents in Singapore, a tropical city-state, and measured three dimensions of social cohesion (i.e. general social cohesion; trust and sense of community; and social interactions), various types of nature experiences (i.e. amount of green space around one’s residence; frequency and duration of urban green space visits; frequency and duration of visits to gardens), and three dimensions of one’s connection to nature: self-identity with nature, desire to experience nature, and environmental concern (using the nature relatedness scale). We found that people who strongly identify with nature, who enjoy being in nature, and who had more frequent gardens visits were more likely to have a stronger sense of social cohesion across two dimensions. However, those with stronger environmental concern reported an overall weaker sense of social cohesion, possibly due to the perception that society’s contributions to conserve environmental problems was insufficient. Further, people who gardened more frequently were also more likely to visit green spaces, self-identify with nature and exhibit a stronger desire to experience nature. We propose that strategies targeted at encouraging people to engage in nature-related, collaborative activities at the local community level, such as spending time in local gardens, will increase urban residents’ daily nature experiences and its associated benefits such as improving social cohesion.

Is nature relatedness associated with better mental health? An exploratory study on Vietnamese university students

Objective This study aims to examine the relationship between nature relatedness (NR) on subjective positive well-being (life satisfaction) and mental disorders (depression, stress, and anxiety) in Vietnamese university students. Participants 340 Hue University students voluntarily took part in the survey. Methods The Nature Relatedness Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. Bivariate correlation, single regression, and moderation analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between NR and the mental health of university students and the moderating role of NR. Results Higher levels of NR significantly predicted higher levels of life satisfaction but did not significantly predict fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. NR significantly moderated the link between life satisfaction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions The findings of this study imply that efforts to enhance students’ mental health should include efforts to promote their NR.

Factor structure, measurement equivalence, and reliability of the Nature Relatedness Scale Short Form (NR-6) across males and females

Nature relatedness is an important construct in environmental psychology and has frequently been measured using the NR-6, a six-item unidimensional short form scale. The NR-6 was developed using exploratory factor analysis on a sample of undergraduates and community members, but subsequent validity evidence is limited. This is concerning because the NR-6 comprises items from two nature relatedness dimensions, making it unclear whether researchers should use the NR-6 as a unidimensional or multidimensional scale. Poor validity evidence also threatens the interpretability of observed NR-6 scores across groups (e.g., results from t-tests). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the factor structure, measurement equivalence, and reliability of the NR-6 across males and females using an independent sample from the Open-Source Psychometrics Project (n = 1,522). Results revealed challenges when comparing observed NR-6 scores across males and females. Both unidimensional and multidimensional factor structures were plausible specifications for the NR-6, but the multidimensional model demonstrated superior fit. However, regardless of whether the NR-6 was treated as a unidimensional or multidimensional scale, observed mean differences between males and females were inflated. Additionally, the multidimensional NR-6 demonstrated reliability that was unacceptable for research purposes for both males and females. To appropriately use the NR-6 on a case-by-case basis, I recommend that researchers 1) always report structural validity and reliability evidence and 2) adjust analyses accordingly, when necessary, using structural equation modeling techniques.

Validating nature relatedness scale in the Philippines: Social responsibility as a cultural driver on why nature relatedness promotes green purchase intention

AbstractDespite the global nature of environmental problems, research on environmental psychology has been mainly based on Western countries, and very limited studies looked into environmental psychological constructs and processes through a non‐Western cultural lens. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the short‐form Nature Relatedness Scale (NR‐6) and investigated culturally relevant mechanisms that facilitate the positive influence of nature relatedness on green purchase intentions among Filipinos. Two studies were conducted to attain these objectives. Study 1 (N = 504) validated the NR‐6. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a stable unidimensional factor structure of NR‐6 with good data‐model fit and strong factor loadings. Study 2 (N = 366) tested a moderated mediation model indicating the mediating role of social responsibility on nature relatedness and green purchase intention relationship across the different levels of interdependent self‐construal. Results indicated that social responsibility mediated the positive impact of nature relatedness on the intention to buy green products among Filipinos. More importantly, results showed a significant moderating role of interdependent self‐construal such that the indirect effect of social responsibility was stronger among Filipinos with higher levels of self‐construal than those with lower levels. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Nature Relatedness Is Positively Associated With Dietary Diversity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in an Urban Population.

Feeling connected to nature, or nature relatedness (NR), can positively impact physical and psychological well-being. However, the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors has not been studied. This research examined the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors, including dietary diversity and fruit and vegetable intake. Cross-sectional online survey study. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Adults (n = 317) over 18 years who resided in Philadelphia, PA. The NR Scale was used to measure participants' connection to nature. It includes 21 items across three subscales: self, experience, and perspective (total and subscales range from 1 to 5). Dietary Diversity was assessed using the FAO's standardized tool (scores range from 0 to 9). To calculate dietary diversity, food groups reported were aggregated into nine food categories: starchy staples; dark green leafy vegetables; vitamin A rich fruits/vegetables; other fruits/vegetables; organ meat; meat/fish; eggs; legumes, nuts/seeds; and milk products. The NCI's 2-item CUP Fruit and Vegetable Screener was used to estimate daily fruit and vegetable intake (cups/day), and socio-demographic questions were asked. Simple and multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between NR Total and subscale scores with dietary diversity scores and fruit and vegetable intake with NR Total scores and subscale scores. The multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, gender, and income. People with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), NR Perspective (P = .002), and NR Experience (P = .002) were more likely to report greater dietary diversity. Those with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), and NR Experience (P < .001) reported greater fruit and vegetable intake. Associations remained significant after adjusting for covariates. NR was associated with better dietary intake after accounting for socio-demographic indicators. These findings highlight the need for health promotion interventions that enhance NR, such as nature prescription initiatives, urban gardening and greening, and immersion in urban green spaces.

Undergraduates' perceptions on emergency remote learning in ecology in the post-pandemic era.

The COVID‐19 pandemic has strongly disrupted academic activities, particularly in disciplines with a strong empirical component among other reasons by limiting our mobility. It is thus essential to assess emergency remote teaching plans by surveying learners’ opinions and perceptions during these unusual circumstances. To achieve this aim, we conducted a survey during the spring semester of 2021 in an environmental science program to ascertain learners’ perceptions on online and onsite learning activities in ecology‐based modules. We were particularly interested not only in comparing the performance of these two types of activities but also in understanding the role played by learners’ perceptions about nature in shaping this pattern. Environmental science programs are rather heterogeneous from a conceptual point of view and, thus, learners may also be more diverse than in traditional ecology programs, which may affect their interest for ecology‐based modules. We assessed connectedness to nature by computing the reduced version of the Nature Relatedness Scale. Here, we found that online activities systematically obtained significantly lower scores than onsite activities regardless of the wording employed, and that altruistic behaviors were prevalent among learners. Interestingly, scores for both onsite and online activities were strongly influenced by learners’ connectedness to nature, as learners with a stronger connection to nature gave higher scores to both types of activities. Our results suggest that an effort to improve the efficacy of remote learning activities should be the focus of research about teaching methodologies in predominantly empirical scientific disciplines.

Manusia dan lingkungan alam: Analisis faktor konfirmatori terhadap Nature Relatedness Scale Bahasa Indonesia

The relationship or closeness between humans and the natural environment is a psychological construct that can be used to overcome environmental problems nowadays. Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS) is a questionnaire used to measure the relationship between humans and the natural environment, which is proven to be related to pro-environment behavior. However, there are no studies that have adapted and analyzed the structure of NRS in Indonesia, so that it can be used for studies on environmental psychology in Indonesia. This study aims to test the construct validity and reliability of NRS Bahasa Indonesia using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a sample of Indonesian people (N= 174). The result shows that NRS Bahasa Indonesia has the same factor structure as the original NRS, namely: NR Self, NR Perspective, and NR Experience and can be used in research with a population of Indonesian people. NR Self and NR Experience have good construct reliability and validity, while NR Perspective has moderate construct reliability and validity. The potential of the NRS to investigate pro-environmental concerns and behavior, as well as suggestions for further research are discussed.