Search

AbstractIn a world increasingly threatened by environmental challenges, understanding the factors that drive pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is crucial. This study investigates the levels of connectedness to nature (CN), environmental values (EV), and environmental behavior (EB) among Nigerian undergraduates, with a particular focus on the role of environmental education (EE) in shaping these constructs. Through a cross-sectional survey of 508 students across 12 universities within Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the findings reveal a strong connection to nature and a higher endorsement of biospheric and altruistic values over hedonic and egoistic ones, albeit with notable regional and institutional variations. While respondents actively engaged in practices such as energy conservation and sustainable transportation, their participation in organized environmental actions, like recycling and group membership, remains limited. Although students enrolled in EE courses rated higher across CN, EV, and EB constructs, enrollment alone did not emerge as a significant predictor of PEB. These results underscore the urgency of fostering deeper connections to nature and integrating value-based, immersive, and practical educational approaches to enhance PEB. With broader implications for EE and sustainability efforts, particularly in developing countries, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers striving to promote environmental stewardship in Nigeria and similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to examine how different types of green brand ritual (GBR) influence customer engagement behavior and the mediation mechanisms and boundary conditions of the positive and negative pathways. Design/methodology/approach: The study conducts two online experiments to collect data from a total of 940 consumers in China. Hypotheses are tested by independent samples t-test, two-way ANOVA and Hayes' PROCESS model. Findings: Different kinds of GBR have different effects on customer engagement behavior. Internal GBR is more likely to play a positive role by inciting connectedness to nature. External GBR is more likely to play a negative role by inciting psychological resistance. This dual effect is especially pronounced for warm brands rather than competent brands. Originality/value: The study pioneers the brand ritual into the field of interactive marketing and enriches its dual effect research. Additionally, the study figures out whether the category of brand ritual can trigger negative effect. Practical implications: Inappropriate brand rituals are worse than no rituals at all. The results provide guidance for green companies to design effective brand rituals to strengthen the connection with consumers. Green brands should describe brand rituals in vivid detail and consciously lead consumers to immerse themselves in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe Atlantic Forest is home to about 70% of the Brazilian population and in need of special protection. In this context, understanding beliefs about the environment and the intensity of connectedness to nature makes it possible to infer whether people are favorably disposed toward ecological behaviors. This study investigated the ecological affinity profile of young people toward the Atlantic Forest. A convenience sample of Brazilian youth (n = 326) responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire, and to the Inclusion of Nature in Self, Connectedness to Nature, Consideration of Future Consequences, and Beliefs about the Forest scales. We found that young people who felt more connected to nature, expressed more ecocentric beliefs, and were more aware of the immediate consequences of their actions. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no influence of sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables on the constructs that constitute the psychosocial profile of ecological affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite childhood experiences' significant role in the pro-environmental behaviour of adults, this issue has insufficiently been addressed within the tourism and recreation context. The current study investigates how childhood nature-based recreation experiences (CHNREs) affect adults' pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) in nature-based recreation through connectedness to nature, psychological ownership, and environmental knowledge. It also explores the mediating role of psychological ownership in the relationship between connectedness to nature and environmental knowledge with adults' PEBs in nature-based recreation. The study's population included young domestic Iranian visitors to natural sites, and 503 online questionnaires were analyzed employing structural equation modelling AMOS-SEM. The findings showed a significant positive influence of childhood experience on adult PEBs and supported the mediating role of the two variables: connectedness to nature and environmental knowledge. Despite the significant positive impact of environmental knowledge and connectedness to nature on psychological ownership, the mediating role of this variable in the relationship between environmental knowledge and connectedness to nature with PEBs was not supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife tourism is experiencing rapid growth as people's desire to connect with nature intensifies, making the improvement of tourist behaviour in wildlife destinations a crucial research issue. In light of this, the current study, grounded in the appraisal theory of emotion, scrutinises how awe, connectedness to nature (CN), and empathy impact animal-friendly behavioural intentions (AFBI) by establishing and appraising a model incorporating serial mediation and moderation. The results reveal that awe positively influences AFBI, with CN and empathy serving as serial mediators. Furthermore, the extent to which awe, CN, and empathy affect AFBI is amplified at higher levels of animal welfare literacy. This research represents a beneficial attempt to investigate AFBI and its internal mechanisms. Destination management organisations (DMOs), tourism product and service designers, marketers, and policymakers can derive valuable practical insights from this study to enhance sustainable development in wildlife tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although green training has been shown in past research to promote environmentally responsible behaviors at work, scholars have paid less attention to its influence on employees' eco‐friendly behaviors outside of work. This omission is critical because confining green training research to the work domain obscures its benefits in promoting employees' pro‐environmental behaviors beyond the workplace, and thus its role in supporting organizational efforts to conserve the natural environment. To address this gap, we examine the direct and indirect (via connectedness to nature) relationships between green training and employees' eco‐friendly behaviors outside of work, including consumption of eco‐friendly products, reuse of items and materials, and reduced consumption of resources such as water, electricity, and paper. We also examine the moderating influence of intrinsic spirituality on the direct link between green training and connectedness to nature, as well as the indirect link between green training and eco‐friendly behaviors beyond the workplace. Using time‐lagged, multisource data, we find support for our hypotheses. Our findings advance knowledge on the important yet largely overlooked role of green training in shaping employees' environmentally responsible behaviors outside of the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge posed by climate change has prompted researchers to investigate the mechanisms underlying ecological values and behaviors, emphasizing the pivotal role of connectedness to nature in responsible consumption. Beyond its environmental aspect, responsible consumption embraces a social dimension marked by conscientious behaviors minimizing negative societal impacts. This study pioneers a comprehensive approach by simultaneously exploring the roles of Connectedness to Nature (CN) and Connectedness to Humanity (CH) in fostering biospheric and altruistic values, which further promote eco and socio-responsible consumption. Using a structural equation modeling analysis, the mutual effects of CN and CH were controlled, thereby isolating their specific contributions. Results derived from a sample of 474 participants revealed that CN and CH significantly contributes to both facets of responsible consumption. In addition, findings confirm the biophilia hypothesis by demonstrating the substantial role of CN in shaping biospheric values and promoting eco-responsible consumption. Similarly, altruistic values mediate the association between CH and socio-responsible consumption. Post-hoc analyses highlight the positive influence of CN on altruistic values, promoting socio-responsible consumption. Surprisingly, CH shows a negative correlation with biospheric values, hindering eco-responsible consumption. Our results are discussed within the Connectedness Continuum Model and in-group/out-group dynamics, indicating that CN fosters connection with the broader natural world and the human species. Conversely, an exclusive focus on CH may result in perceiving nature as an out-group and potentially rejecting its values. Practical implications are discussed, particularly with mindfulness and contact with others and nature as avenues to enhance both connectedness and, consequently, responsible consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial body of research highlights the value of nature experience in supporting children's well-being and development. Given the growing interest in connectedness to nature (C2N), a better understanding of C2N measurement provides multiple opportunities, including consideration of the use of tools for research purposes and practitioner program measurement. The combination of interest in C2N and the potential for measuring the human relationship with nature provide the background for this exploratory study. The study's goal was to highlight the appropriate use of C2N scales based on considerations of context and culture. Three different, albeit related, efforts to translate, adapt, and use C2N measurements with children in a Danish-Swedish context during 2021–2022 were examined using case study methodology. Synthesis of the case studies provides general lessons and specific insights researchers and practitioners have learned regarding scale development and the application of measurement tools for children. Process functionality, child well-being, and conceptual appropriateness are three outcomes of the analysis that guide using child-oriented C2N scales in a Nordic context. The results highlight promoting discussions about nature and children's access to nature while guiding scale use. Based on the results, a checklist was created supporting a decision-making process for scale use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is requiring people to shift toward more sustainable lifestyles. Although the contribution of behavioral sciences in sustainability domains is growing, validated instruments to measure biospheric values are still few, especially in Italian. The present study aims to test the psychometric properties of the GREEN scale in Italian, by adopting the best practices suggested by the contemporary view of validity. Data was retrieved from a representative sample of 1,002 Italian individuals, split into two subgroups. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the original factorial structure of the scale and the measurement invariance showed that this structure is equivalent across genders. Furthermore, convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity evidence demonstrated that the measure is associated with universalism, connectedness to nature, and daily pro-environmental behaviors, respectively. Collected evidence suggests that the GREEN scale is a valid and reliable measure for biospheric values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Following the conservation of resource theory and natural stress reduction theory, the current study investigated mediated pathways, reverse mediated pathways, and reciprocal pathways between connectedness to nature, depressive symptoms, and adolescent learning burnout via a half‐longitudinal analysis, and discussed gender differences in the three models. Methods: Two waves of data were collected in December 2022 (T1) and June 2023 (T2) for this study. The sample consisted of 1092 Chinese adolescents (52.20% girls, Mage = 13.03, SD = 1.43). Semi‐longitudinal analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between connectedness to nature, depressive symptoms, and adolescent academic burnout. Results: The results indicated that connectedness to nature can serve as a positive resource to alleviate the levels of depressive symptoms among adolescents and thereby decrease learning burnout. However, the protective effect of connectedness to nature was smaller, and the decreasing effect of learning burnout on connectedness to nature was stronger than the alleviating effect of connectedness to nature on learning burnout. Additionally, the study found that depressive symptoms and academic burnout have a mutually reinforcing effect over time and that the effects of this interaction are more pronounced in females. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the protective role of nature connectedness and the detrimental effects of learning burnout in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Exposure to natural environments, such as parks, forests, and green areas, is often linked to a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression, while contributing to improved emotional wellbeing. These observations are supported by well-established theories, such as the Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, which highlight the psychological benefits of interacting with nature. However, the relationship between exposure to nature and emotions, and in particular, with emotional regulation, is an evolving aspect of research with no clear conclusions. Emotional regulation can be deliberate in nature, where individuals voluntarily participate in modifying various aspects of their emotions, such as their type, intensity, quality or duration. Alternatively, it may be automatic, originating from sensory perception and acting without full awareness, but significantly influencing emotional experiences. In this context, the environmental self-regulation hypothesis, suggests that people consciously or unconsciously use their physical environment to regulate their emotions. Method: To analyze the evidence of the relationship between contact with nature and emotional regulation, we conducted this review. Using the PRISMA statement as a reference, we conducted keyword searches in five databases in the period between 2013 and 2023. The databases selected were Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, PsycINFO and ScienceDirect. Results: In addition, a manual search was carried out of journals in the research field. Initially, from which gray literature, reviews and duplicates were removed in a first step. The resulting articles were then filtered using their titles and abstracts. Subsequently, the abstracts of the 25 selected articles were reviewed and discussed by researchers to reach a final decision based on consensus about the adequacy of each paper. Finally, nine articles were included in the systematic review. Discussion: In general terms, this review suggests that research on the relationship between contact with nature and emotional regulation provides valuable insights into how natural environments can contribute to the emotional wellbeing and physical and mental health of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how indoor and outdoor environments in Nature Cafes, serving as nature-based solutions (NBS), influence customer approach behavior using the SOR model and a mixed-method approach. Analyzing 5,456 reviews, the study identified key indoor and outdoor variables. Results revealed that green spaces within cafes and outdoor natural environments as NBS were associated with improved self-rated mental health and connectedness. The study used fsQCA analysis to determine an optimized factor combination, highlighting the moderating role of product knowledge. The findings offer a valuable framework for maximizing NBS in approach behavior, particularly in the natural cafe setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine a potential model based on the Self-Determination Theory, which explains how environmental citizenship and connectedness to nature could be associated with subjective well-being through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. A convenience sample of 172 adolescents from three Lithuanian schools with a mean age of 15.4 years was gathered (40.1% male, 51.7% female, and 8.1% who preferred not to answer). The tested model showed reasonable fit indices: CFI = 0.941, TLI = 0.928, NFI = 0.913, RMSEA = 0.104 [0.090–0.119], SRMR = 0.073 and χ2 (98) = 281.532, p <.01, and could explain approximately 41% of the variance of subjective well-being. The results show that pro-environmental actions taken by environmental citizens in the private sphere can have a positive impact on mental health as pro-environmental behavior satisfies basic psychological needs. Plain language summary: This study examines a potential model based on the Self-Determination Theory, which explains how environmental citizenship and connectedness to nature could lead to subjective well-being through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. A convenience sample of 172 adolescents from three Lithuanian schools participated in the study. The tested model could explain approximately 41% of the variance of subjective well-being. The results show that behaving pro-environmentally helps people satisfy their basic psychological needs, which in turn helps them feel better and thus increases their psychological well-being. Caring for the environment not only helps with environmental issues, but it also makes us feel better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies show that awe can predict prosocial behaviors. However, the effects of awe on green consumption or its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Awe promotes the small self that can promote connectedness to nature (CNS). Emotion regulation strategies can modify the effects of emotions on behavior. Therefore, this study investigated the moderating effects of emotion regulation strategies (emotion reappraisal and suppression) and the multi-step mediating effects of the small self and CNS on awe's impact on consumers' green purchasing intentions. Through four experiments, the study showed that (a) awe positively impacts consumers' green purchasing intentions; (b) the small self and CNS play a multi-step mediating role in awe's positive effect on green purchasing intention; (c) emotion reappraisal moderates awe's favorable influence on green purchase intentions; and (d) apart from positive awe, negative and unnatural awe also influence green purchasing intention positively. This research has practical implications for companies' green marketing strategies. Plain language summary: Human production and consumption destroy the natural environment. The continued destruction of the natural environment will eventually threaten the survival of human beings. In order to reverse the trend of ecological deterioration, we must change our consumption patterns. Many companies have introduced green products in the market. However, because green products are of poorer quality or more expensive compared to ordinary products, they are not always popular in the market. Green consumption is clearly a moral behavior, so priming moral emotions can promote green consumption. Awe is a typical moral emotion. Awe occurs when we are confronted with a magnificent landscape in nature or a natural disaster. This paper verifies that priming awe can promote green consumption through questionnaires and experiments. On this basis, we found the psychological mechanism of awe promoting green consumption. The awe that arises when people are confronted with a huge natural landscape or a natural disaster makes them realize their insignificance and enhances their connection with nature. This ultimately leads to an increased willingness to consume green. In order to avoid embarrassment, we consciously regulate our emotional responses in our daily lives in order to experience more authentic emotions or to make socially acceptable emotional responses. Emotional regulation strategies include reappraisal and suppression strategies. In this paper, we propose and verify that emotion reappraisal strategies can reinforce the positive effects of awe on green purchasing intentions. The findings of this paper have strong implications for our better use of awe to promote green consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We empirically investigated to what extent plants in the emergency department (ED) waiting areas influence patient wait experiences (i.e., anxiety, perceived service quality, and perception of wait time) depending on individual differences in cognitive thinking styles and one's bonds with the natural world. Background: Positive effects of nature on patient experiences in healthcare environments are well established by empirical research findings. However, evidence is scarce on the impact of nature on patient wait experiences and the roles of patient traits often related to their backgrounds. Methods: A within-subjects study was conducted (N = 116) with two virtually built ED waiting rooms: with versus without indoor and outdoor plants. Results: Findings confirmed that plants lower anxiety and improve perceptions of service quality and wait time. Cognitive thinking style significantly moderated how plants affected patient wait experiences. Although participants with higher connectedness to nature showed more positive responses to the nature condition, connectedness to nature did not significantly affect the association between nature and wait experiences. Conclusions: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on nature's effects in healthcare environments by examining the roles of individual differences in patients' and visitors' cognitive styles and connectedness to nature. Results highlighted the impact of these differences in patient experiences for effective implications of nature in waiting areas of healthcare facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's primary goal is to investigate the relationship between different aspects of mindfulness which were carved out by a systematic literature review on sustainability through possible mediators. The relationship between different aspects of mindfulness (acceptance, acting with awareness, decentering, inner awareness, outer awareness, insight) and sustainable attitudes and behavior under the consideration of mediating variables (congruence of attitudes and behavior, values, well-being, connectedness to nature, disruption of routines, pro-socialness) was investigated in 337 participants. The results showed the diverse relation of mindfulness to sustainable attitude and behavior. In a mediation model, sustainable attitude and sustainable behavior were positively predicted by outer awareness and insight via connectedness to nature. Moreover, sustainable attitude and behavior were positively predicted by inner awareness, outer awareness, and insight via pro-socialness. There were no direct effects from any other aspect of mindfulness on sustainable attitude or behavior. Our study hints that connectedness to nature and pro-socialness are the relevant mediators between mindfulness (awareness and insight) and sustainable attitude and behavior. However, further intervention studies should test whether these mindfulness aspects are the most important for changing sustainable attitudes and behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connectedness to nature (CTN) has been widely acknowledged as having a favourable impact on individuals participating in nature-based activities. However, existing research seems to focus on environmental outcomes overlooking the potential impact of CTN on tourist experience and well-being of individuals in general and the elderly in particular. Considering this omission and drawing on a transformative tourism perspective, the present study proposes and tests a conceptual model linking CTN with tourist experience, tourist well-being, and life satisfaction. Drawing on data collected from 211 senior individuals aged 60 and over participating in nature-based activities in the UK and Turkey, the findings confirm the positive effect of CTN on tourist experience, tourist well-being, and life satisfaction. As predicted, the findings also show that tourist well-being has a positive spill over effect on the life satisfaction of the elderly. The study makes theoretical contributions to CTN research and senior tourism scholarship and suggests important implications for both the commercial travel trade as well as local councils, NGOs, and other community associations concerned with the elderly's welfare and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important predictor of pro-environmental attitudes and behavior is connectedness to nature. However, current research lacks consensus on how to effectively cultivate it in individuals, particularly with media messages. To address this gap, this study investigated how the modality of nature experiences and type of nature influence connectedness to nature in young adults. Data collection involved 164 undergraduate students at a Singapore university who participated in a 2 (modality: physical tour vs video tour) × 2 (nature type: forested area vs botanic garden) factorial experiment. Results showed that nature type did not affect connectedness to nature, nor did fear or disgust mediate that linkage. However, connectedness to nature was higher among participants who took the physical tour than among those who watched the video tour. This effect is consistent with past research and suggests that mediated experiences of nature diminish the richness of sensory experience. It reaffirms the importance of directly experiencing nature as a part of environmental communication and education to promote environmental stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite growing concern about climate change, there remains a significant gap between individuals' environmental concern and their actual behaviour. Humans' personal relationship with nature is a key contributor to pro‐environmental behaviour (PEB), which may account for this gap. Those individuals with high levels of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), approximately 25%–30% of the population, have a particularly strong connection with the natural world and have a ‘pause to check’ attitude that may make them more prone to consider future consequences of actions. We hypothesise that (1) a disposition to experience awe, characterizing high SPS, mediates the association between the trait and connectedness to nature (CN); (2) SPS is associated with PEB, and CN mediates the association; and (3) consideration for future consequences also mediates the association between high SPS and PEB. 807 participants completed an online survey including validated measures of SPS, CN, awe, PEB and consideration for future consequences. Correlational and mediational analyses were performed to test the hypotheses. The study showed that the relationship between SPS and CN was mediated by awe. The relationship between SPS and PEB was independently mediated by CN and consideration for future consequences. Policy implications. The UN Sustainable Development Goals were set to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by considering individual differences, as well as improving climate action (SDG 13). This study shows that psychological dimensions such as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) are linked to pro‐environmental behaviour (PEB) through future‐oriented thinking and feeling connected with nature. These results also suggest that cultivating connectedness to nature and training those with lower SPS to consider future consequences of actions may be a potential avenue to improve PEB. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Background Global climate change is recognized as a major and irreversible challenge for humanity, requiring people’s responsible and sustainable behaviors toward the environment. So far, the literature has widely investigated the role of cognitive determinants of ecological outcomes (e.g., pro-environmental behaviors and climate change perception), while less attention has been devoted to emotional processes, such as trait emotional intelligence (TEI). The current double study investigates whether TEI is directly and indirectly associated with climate change perception (CCP, Study 1) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs, Study 2) among young adults. Furthermore, the mediating role of connectedness to nature (CN), both as cognitive and emotional factors, was also analyzed. We hypothesized that CN (i.e., cognitive mediator) would positively mediate the relationship between TEI and CCP (H1), and Love and Care for Nature (LCN, i.e., emotional mediator) would positively mediate the relationship between TEI and PEBs (H2). Methods The study involved 342 young adults (F = 60.7%; age 19–40; Mage=22.99; SD = 2.66) in Study 1 and 365 young adults (F = 71.2%; age 17–35; Mage=22.2; SD = 3.98) in Study 2. Data were collected through an online tool shared by the snowball method. We administered the following self-reports: Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue- SF), Global Climate Change (GCC), and Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) (Study 1); Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue-SF), General Environmental Behaviors Scale (GEB), and Love and Care for Nature (LCN) (Study 2). Results Findings from Study 1 showed that higher TEI levels enhance CN (i.e., cognitive mediator), positively influencing CCP (estimate = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.23). Findings from Study 2 showed that higher TEI levels are associated with higher LCN levels (i.e., emotional mediator), influencing people’s engagement in PEBs (estimate = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.11). Conclusion It is crucial to design environmental education programs that promote greater emotional intelligence ability and encourage individuals’ involvement in ecological outcomes.

Abstract Background This study examined the relationship between loneliness and bedtime procrastination among Chinese university students, the mediating effects of COVID-19 risk perception and self-regulatory fatigue, and connectedness to nature’s protective role, post pandemic. Methods We recruited 855 students to complete the Loneliness, Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Pandemic, Self-Regulatory Fatigue, Bedtime Procrastination, and Connectedness to Nature Scales. Data for descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and moderated chain mediation effects were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and process 3.5 macros. Results Loneliness positively correlated with bedtime procrastination, COVID-19 risk perception mediated the impact of loneliness on bedtime procrastination, self-regulatory fatigue mediated the effect of loneliness on bedtime procrastination, and COVID-19 risk perception and self-regulatory fatigue mediated the effect between loneliness and bedtime procrastination. Furthermore, connectedness to nature mediated the impact of COVID-19 risk perception on self-regulatory fatigue. Conclusions The results indicate the effects and potential mechanisms of loneliness on bedtime procrastination after the relaxation of the pandemic prevention and control policy in China from the perspective of self-regulatory resources and provide insights into improving university students’ sleep routine and mental health post pandemic.

Background: Global climate change is recognized as a major and irreversible challenge for humanity, requiring people's responsible and sustainable behaviors toward the environment. So far, the literature has widely investigated the role of cognitive determinants of ecological outcomes (e.g., pro-environmental behaviors and climate change perception), while less attention has been devoted to emotional processes, such as trait emotional intelligence (TEI). The current double study investigates whether TEI is directly and indirectly associated with climate change perception (CCP, Study 1) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs, Study 2) among young adults. Furthermore, the mediating role of connectedness to nature (CN), both as cognitive and emotional factors, was also analyzed. We hypothesized that CN (i.e., cognitive mediator) would positively mediate the relationship between TEI and CCP (H1), and Love and Care for Nature (LCN, i.e., emotional mediator) would positively mediate the relationship between TEI and PEBs (H2). Methods: The study involved 342 young adults (F = 60.7%; age 19–40; Mage=22.99; SD = 2.66) in Study 1 and 365 young adults (F = 71.2%; age 17–35; Mage=22.2; SD = 3.98) in Study 2. Data were collected through an online tool shared by the snowball method. We administered the following self-reports: Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue- SF), Global Climate Change (GCC), and Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) (Study 1); Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue-SF), General Environmental Behaviors Scale (GEB), and Love and Care for Nature (LCN) (Study 2). Results: Findings from Study 1 showed that higher TEI levels enhance CN (i.e., cognitive mediator), positively influencing CCP (estimate = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.23). Findings from Study 2 showed that higher TEI levels are associated with higher LCN levels (i.e., emotional mediator), influencing people's engagement in PEBs (estimate = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.11). Conclusion: It is crucial to design environmental education programs that promote greater emotional intelligence ability and encourage individuals' involvement in ecological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite growing concern about climate change, there remains a significant gap between individuals' environmental concern and their actual behaviour. Humans' personal relationship with nature is a key contributor to pro‐environmental behaviour (PEB), which may account for this gap. Those individuals with high levels of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), approximately 25%–30% of the population, have a particularly strong connection with the natural world and have a 'pause to check' attitude that may make them more prone to consider future consequences of actions. We hypothesise that (1) a disposition to experience awe, characterizing high SPS, mediates the association between the trait and connectedness to nature (CN); (2) SPS is associated with PEB, and CN mediates the association; and (3) consideration for future consequences also mediates the association between high SPS and PEB.807 participants completed an online survey including validated measures of SPS, CN, awe, PEB and consideration for future consequences. Correlational and mediational analyses were performed to test the hypotheses.The study showed that the relationship between SPS and CN was mediated by awe. The relationship between SPS and PEB was independently mediated by CN and consideration for future consequences.Policy implications. The UN Sustainable Development Goals were set to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by considering individual differences, as well as improving climate action (SDG 13). This study shows that psychological dimensions such as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) are linked to pro‐environmental behaviour (PEB) through future‐oriented thinking and feeling connected with nature. These results also suggest that cultivating connectedness to nature and training those with lower SPS to consider future consequences of actions may be a potential avenue to improve PEB. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Engaging with nature has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on well-being. Traditionally, assessments of nature exposure focus on estimating green space exposure and outdoor time. However, the Nature Exposure Scale (NES) offers a unique approach by evaluating the quality of nature experiences, encompassing both deliberate and spontaneous encounters. Methods: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the NES in the context of Portugal. Exploratory Factor Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to examine the underlying structure of the scale. Additionally, reliability assessments, along with tests of convergent and divergent validity, were conducted. Data were collected from a sample of 558 adults and 241 adolescents between 2016 and 2018. Results: The findings revealed strong internal consistency of the NES, supported by acceptable correlation values and robust factor loadings within a unidimensional model. The scale effectively predicted variations in nature exposure across diverse professional activities. Discussion: In summary, the 4-item NES emerged as a reliable tool for assessing nature exposure in various settings, effectively bridging a gap in the Portuguese context. The scale demonstrated potential for cross-cultural research and was particularly adept at predicting nature exposure in different professional contexts. The results suggest that the NES can enhance our understanding of the impact of nature on well-being in diverse cultural settings. Conclusion: The study underscores the reliability of the NES in assessing nature exposure in Portugal, paving the way for further exploration in Portuguese-speaking regions. The scale holds promise for advancing research on the relationship between nature and well-being, contributing valuable insights across different cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mindful parenting and children's creative tendencies and to investigate the mediating role of parent–child intimacy and connectedness to nature in the relationship between mindful parenting and children's creative tendencies. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, nearly 800 mothers of children aged 3–6 were enrolled. General sociodemographic data, the Mindfulness in Parenting Questionnaire (MIPQ), the Creativity Assessment Packet (CAP), the Child–Parent Relationship Scale—Short Form (CPRS-SF), and the Connectedness to Nature Index—Parents of Preschool Children (CNI-PPC) were all included in the questionnaire survey. (3) Results: There were significant positive correlations among mindful parenting, parent–child intimacy, connectedness to nature, and children's creative tendencies. Mindful parenting had a positive predictive effect on children's creative tendencies. Parent–child intimacy played a mediating role between mindful parenting and children's creative tendencies. Connectedness to nature played a mediating role between mindful parenting and children's creative tendencies. The correlation between mindful parenting and children's creative tendencies may be impacted by the chain mediation effects of parent–child intimacy and connectedness to nature. (4) Conclusions: By promoting parent–child intimacy and connectedness to nature, and by utilizing the chain mediating effects of both, mindful parenting positively impacted children's creative tendencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processes of industrialisation and urbanisation have substantially severed our connection with nature, causing detrimental effects on our ecosystems that underline the urgent necessity for sustainability-driven transformations. However, the dedication to sustainable practices depends on various factors and differs among different groups. This study employs the Value–Belief–Norm Theory of Environmentalism to investigate the impact of the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP), Connectedness to Nature (CNS), agricultural land stewardship, age and gender identity on pro-ecological personal norms. Data collection took place in Malta, an island state characterised by competing pressures over its land use. To encompass diverse group viewpoints, purposive sampling techniques were utilised, engaging environmentalists, hunters, and representatives from the general public. The findings obtained from hierarchical multiple regression analysis highlight a noteworthy positive impact of NEP, CNS, agricultural land stewardship, and age, which collectively explain 40% of the variance in pro-ecological personal norms. The identification of these drivers can provide directions for facilitating the implementation of educational, environmental and legislative policies that can help nurture and foster a sustainable relationship between humans and nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the relationship between loneliness and bedtime procrastination among Chinese university students, the mediating effects of COVID-19 risk perception and self-regulatory fatigue, and connectedness to nature's protective role, post pandemic. Methods: We recruited 855 students to complete the Loneliness, Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Pandemic, Self-Regulatory Fatigue, Bedtime Procrastination, and Connectedness to Nature Scales. Data for descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and moderated chain mediation effects were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and process 3.5 macros. Results: Loneliness positively correlated with bedtime procrastination, COVID-19 risk perception mediated the impact of loneliness on bedtime procrastination, self-regulatory fatigue mediated the effect of loneliness on bedtime procrastination, and COVID-19 risk perception and self-regulatory fatigue mediated the effect between loneliness and bedtime procrastination. Furthermore, connectedness to nature mediated the impact of COVID-19 risk perception on self-regulatory fatigue. Conclusions: The results indicate the effects and potential mechanisms of loneliness on bedtime procrastination after the relaxation of the pandemic prevention and control policy in China from the perspective of self-regulatory resources and provide insights into improving university students' sleep routine and mental health post pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionExposure to natural environments, such as parks, forests, and green areas, is often linked to a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression, while contributing to improved emotional wellbeing. These observations are supported by well-established theories, such as the Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, which highlight the psychological benefits of interacting with nature. However, the relationship between exposure to nature and emotions, and in particular, with emotional regulation, is an evolving aspect of research with no clear conclusions. Emotional regulation can be deliberate in nature, where individuals voluntarily participate in modifying various aspects of their emotions, such as their type, intensity, quality or duration. Alternatively, it may be automatic, originating from sensory perception and acting without full awareness, but significantly influencing emotional experiences. In this context, the environmental self-regulation hypothesis, suggests that people consciously or unconsciously use their physical environment to regulate their emotions.MethodTo analyze the evidence of the relationship between contact with nature and emotional regulation, we conducted this review. Using the PRISMA statement as a reference, we conducted keyword searches in five databases in the period between 2013 and 2023. The databases selected were Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, PsycINFO and ScienceDirect.ResultsIn addition, a manual search was carried out of journals in the research field. Initially, from which gray literature, reviews and duplicates were removed in a first step. The resulting articles were then filtered using their titles and abstracts. Subsequently, the abstracts of the 25 selected articles were reviewed and discussed by researchers to reach a final decision based on consensus about the adequacy of each paper. Finally, nine articles were included in the systematic review.DiscussionIn general terms, this review suggests that research on the relationship between contact with nature and emotional regulation provides valuable insights into how natural environments can contribute to the emotional wellbeing and physical and mental health of the population.

The main purpose of the present research is to examine the relationships between the level of tourists’ connectedness to nature (CTN) and their landscape preferences (LP). For this purpose, the study first measures the construct validity and reliability of the CTN scale developed by Mayer and Frantz (2004) to confirm its appropriateness for different cultures and the originally one-dimensional structure of the scale is tested. Second, the LPs of domestic and foreign tourists are determined from six different landscape pictures and a relationship is sought between the tourists’ CTN levels and LP. The primary data were gathered through surveys of foreign and domestic tourists staying in Antalya. The relationships between the CTN and LP were determined by multinomial logistic regression analysis (MLRA). According to the findings, as the level of tourists’ CTN increases, their preference levels for shopping malls and historical places also increase. It has also been determined that as the CTN increases, preferences for beaches increases, too. Women who prefer shopping malls and historical sites are less likely than men to prefer wildlife. Also, as the preference for historical sites increases, the CTN level increases, too. The results of the study will be beneficial for planners to manage the landscape in destinations and to use the resources effectively.

While crowdsourcing applications that can support decision-making are increasing in volume, citizen science practice in Greece is in its early stages. The article presents the design of a BioBlitz that took place in the Ioannina Castle and aims to complement the natural and cultural heritage assessment of the specific site through the participation of 116 citizens and university students. The iNaturalist mobile application and online social network were used as basic tools for recording biodiversity and assisting in the identification process. Before the activity, participants received basic training through an open course in Science Education offered by the School of Early Childhood Education at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, participants completed pre-questionnaire of the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS). The results revealed that more than 26% of almost 1,000 observations received a Research Grade, while 207 species were recorded, engaging 191 identifiers. The analysis of both the pre-questionnaires and the post-questionnaires that were collected a week after the BioBlitz, showing a statistically significant positive shift in the levels of CNS. However, low intensity and small scale of the activity should be considered, and multiple interventions or long-time programs could supply more robust findings.

IntroductionEngaging with nature has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on well-being. Traditionally, assessments of nature exposure focus on estimating green space exposure and outdoor time. However, the Nature Exposure Scale (NES) offers a unique approach by evaluating the quality of nature experiences, encompassing both deliberate and spontaneous encounters.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the NES in the context of Portugal. Exploratory Factor Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to examine the underlying structure of the scale. Additionally, reliability assessments, along with tests of convergent and divergent validity, were conducted. Data were collected from a sample of 558 adults and 241 adolescents between 2016 and 2018.ResultsThe findings revealed strong internal consistency of the NES, supported by acceptable correlation values and robust factor loadings within a unidimensional model. The scale effectively predicted variations in nature exposure across diverse professional activities.DiscussionIn summary, the 4-item NES emerged as a reliable tool for assessing nature exposure in various settings, effectively bridging a gap in the Portuguese context. The scale demonstrated potential for cross-cultural research and was particularly adept at predicting nature exposure in different professional contexts. The results suggest that the NES can enhance our understanding of the impact of nature on well-being in diverse cultural settings.ConclusionThe study underscores the reliability of the NES in assessing nature exposure in Portugal, paving the way for further exploration in Portuguese-speaking regions. The scale holds promise for advancing research on the relationship between nature and well-being, contributing valuable insights across different cultural contexts.

Internal transformative qualities are essential contributing factors to sustainable behavior. Besides awareness, insight, purpose, and agency, connectedness is one of those inner qualities. In this study, we investigated the relationship between connectedness to oneself (self-love), towards the environment (connectedness to nature), towards other human beings (prosocialness), and sustainable behavior towards clothes and food. One hundred thirty-nine mostly students participated. The results showed that self-love, connectedness to nature, and pro-socialness correlate. Sustainability behavior towards food was predicted by pro-socialness, the choice of diet, and environmental and ethical reasons for nutrition. Sustainable behavior towards clothes was predicted by connectedness to nature. This study hints that the factors of inner transformative qualities and the type of sustainable behavior must be investigated differently. It strengthens the multi-facet dimensions of sustainable behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connectedness to nature is significantly correlated with psychological well-being. Although relevant published literature has been heavily skewed towards Western, Caucasian, and Christian samples. Traditional Buddhist teachings in Thai culture guide Thais towards deep connection to nature. The objective of this study is to investigate associations among connectedness to nature, psychological well-being, mindfulness and engagement with natural beauty among Thai Buddhists. Four questionnaires were completed by 359 Thai Buddhists and path analysis was used to analyze the data. Results show that connectedness to nature directly affects mindfulness, engagement with natural beauty, and psychological well-being, with significant standard coefficients of.20,.25, and.21, respectively. Moreover, 24 percent of psychological well-being was explained by connectedness to nature, mindfulness, and engagement with natural beauty. These findings help fill a gap in the published literature and provide essential cross-cultural validation of these constructs by exploring a non-western sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant psychological research demonstrates bivariate relationships between individual prosocial propensity, intrinsic connectedness to various social domains, and the enactment of prosocial behavior. More recently, "connectedness" has been positioned as a necessary domain‐specific motivator for enacting prosocial propensity in relevant domains of concern. Our study offers novel contributions to this theory by examining the role of connectedness in driving prosocial behavior within a humanitarian domain in which behavior is enacted in the interest of the global community. Additionally, our research uniquely considers connectedness to multiple social domains concurrently, in order to disentangle any covariance that may be impacting research findings. A parallel mediation model with four mediators (connectedness to community, nation, humanity, and nature) was applied to better understand the effect of prosocial propensity (honesty‐humility) on humanitarian prosocial behavior. The cross‐sectional survey was completed by 715 Australian adults, and support was found for mediation via each of the mediators. Specifically, connectedness to community, to humanity, and to nature each positively affected the relationship between prosocial propensity and prosocial behavior, with the largest effect via connectedness to humanity. Contrastingly, connectedness to nation negatively mediated this relationship, despite being positively correlated with these constructs. These findings highlight the individual difference underpinnings of humanitarian prosocial behaviors and the role of connection to relevant domains in behavior actualization. Fostering connectedness to humanity remains desirable to promote global prosocial outcomes, with future research needed on the interplay between these related levels of connectedness and between connectedness to one's nation and global humanitarian engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and life satisfaction among college students, the mediating effect of smartphone addiction, and the moderating effect of connectedness to nature. A total of 702 college students (453 females, Meanage = 19.60 years, SD = 1.33 years) completed the Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Index, Connectedness to Nature Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Following moderated mediation analysis, the results showed that smartphone addiction mediated the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and life satisfaction among college students. Furthermore, connectedness to nature did not moderate the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and life satisfaction among college students, but it moderated the relationship between smartphone addiction and life satisfaction among college students. These findings identified both risk factors and protective factors that influence life satisfaction among college students, providing valuable guidance for enhancing their life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tourism Tribune / Lvyou Xuekan is the property of Tourism Institute of Beijing Union University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Internal transformative qualities are essential contributing factors to sustainable behavior. Besides awareness, insight, purpose, and agency, connectedness is one of those inner qualities. In this study, we investigated the relationship between connectedness to oneself (self-love), towards the environment (connectedness to nature), towards other human beings (pro-socialness), and sustainable behavior towards clothes and food. One hundred thirty-nine mostly students participated. The results showed that self-love, connectedness to nature, and pro-socialness correlate. Sustainability behavior towards food was predicted by pro-socialness, the choice of diet, and environmental and ethical reasons for nutrition. Sustainable behavior towards clothes was predicted by connectedness to nature. This study hints that the factors of inner transformative qualities and the type of sustainable behavior must be investigated differently. It strengthens the multi-facet dimensions of sustainable behavior.

This systematic review assesses the methodological quality of manuscripts focusing on scales that explicitly measure nature connectedness. A literature search in six electronic databases was conducted using a search strategy based on PICO guidelines. Only peer-reviewed primary research available in English language, published between 2000 and 2021, meeting the scope of this review were included. Data from 35 studies were narratively analyzed. Their methodological quality was assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Only five studies were rated as high/adequate quality. Based on the findings we make the following recommendations: (a) the need for the development of a more universal nature connectedness construct, (b) the requirement to increase the methodological quality of the scales, (c) the need to identify which the scales measure trait or state, (d) the need to increase the validate scales cross-culturally, and (e) the need to develop scales that can be employed with non-adult samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the two studies (N = 245 and N = 199) was to investigate the predictors of environmental guilt and analyze its mediating role between human-nature relationship and pro-environmental behavior intentions. In the first study, the connectedness to nature and social dominance orientation emerged as predictors of environmental guilt. In addition, guilt was an important mediator of the relationship between the connectedness and individual proenvironmental behavior. In the second study, guilt was predicted by gender, by locating the causes of the climate crisis in human activities rather than in the Earth's natural cycles, and by environmental nostalgia. In addition, guilt mediated the relationship between environmental nostalgia and willingness to engage in collective action and support systemic changes. Thus, environmental guilt seems to be an important factor in predicting a wide range of environmentally friendly activities: individual behavioral intentions, willingness to engage in collective actions, and support for systemic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the rapidly increasing environmental, nature problems and individual behaviors have drawn the attention of researchers in this direction. Therefore, the aim of the research is to reveal the environmental awareness, environmental sensitivity and connectedness to nature behaviors of teachers, who are one of the most important parts of the education process. The population of the research consisted of teachers in Gaziantep, and the sample consisted of 634 teachers selected by random sampling. As data collection tools, "Environmental Awa reness and Sensitivity Scale" developed by Yeşilyurt, Gül and Demir (2013) and "Connectedness to the Nature Scale" developed by Mayer, F. S., and Frantz, C. M. (2004) and adapted into Turkish by Bektaş, F., Kural, B., & Orçan (2017) were used. In the analysis of the data, Independent Sample t test, Anova and Pearson Correlation analysis were used. According to the findings, significant differences were found in environmental sensitivity in the gender variable and in environmental awareness in the age variable. Significant differences were found in part of nature, environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity according to the branch variable; while significant differences were found in integration with nature and part of nature subdimensions according to sports experience variable (p<0.05). As a result, it can be said that teachers' connectedness to nature, environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity are generally at moderate levels. It is recommended to hold developer seminars for connectedness to nature and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental awareness and awareness activities can be carried out through outdoor-based sports activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]