Measuring adolescents’ level of interest in nature: a promising psychological factor facilitating nature protection

Abstract

Studies indicate that young people are more prepared to engage in pro-environmental behavior if they are interested in nature and recognize it as worthy of protection. However, a reliable instrument to measure adolescents’ interest in nature is still lacking. Therefore, we developed a new metric, the Scale of Interest in Nature (SIN). It consists of 18 items, is based on Item-Response-Theory and was validated using the known group approach (N = 351 adolescents). Results indicate that adolescents’ interest in nature correlates positively with their connection with nature, their intention to preserve nature and engagement in pro-environmental activities in their free time. Bivariate Pearson correlations between the SIN and the Connectedness to Nature Scale (INS), as well as the Environmental Values model (2-MEV) demonstrated the scale’s construct validity. Hence, the SIN scale provides an economical way to measure adolescents’ interest in nature in research contexts or environmental and sustainability education settings.

Does Interest Really Matter? Interest in Nature as a Possible Determinant of Pro-Environmental Behaviour

“…However, interest in nature emerges as another potential psychological factor influencing PEB. While only a few studies have analysed the importance of this relatively new construct (Kals et al, 1999;Kleespies et al, 2022;Neurohr et al, 2023), these findings resonate with studies looking at general interest as a motivational factor for a person's behaviour (Hidi & Renninger, 2006;Krapp, 2002;Rounds & Su, 2014). Thus, students' interest in nature can be seen as a relevant determinant of PEB, helping to strengthen the motivation to act in a pro-environmental way.…”

“…For measuring interest in nature, the Scale for Interest in Nature (SIN) was used, which consists of 18 items (Neurohr et al, 2023). We measured interest in nature with various self-report items on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree).…”

“…Appreciation and interest in nature positively drive the motivation to protect valued objects (Kaiser et al, 2013;Neurohr et al, 2023;Roczen et al, 2014;Tam, 2022). According to Krapp's personobject theory (2002), interest signifies a specific relationship between an individual and an object.…”

“…Concern for the environment and commitment to its preservation are reflected in one's environmental attitudes, which seem to be a crucial factor for embracing PEB (Brügger et al, 2011;Kaiser et al, 2013;Roczen et al, 2014). Recent findings suggest that interest in nature is another significant predictor that is positively linked with nature connection and PEB (Kals et al, 1999;Leske & Bögeholz, 2008;Neurohr et al, 2023) and further enhances engagement in outdoor activities and hobbies (Guiney, 2009).…”

“…Previous findings suggest that attitudes play a crucial role in behaviour change (Abrahamse & Steg, 2009). To effectively promote behaviour changes, recent research considers influential factors such as emotional bonds with nature, environmental values and attitudes, connection to nature, and interest in nature (Brügger et al, 2011;Neurohr et al, 2023;Nisbet et al, 2009;Roczen et al, 2014;Schultz, 2002). Brügger et al (2011) emphasize that attitudes toward nature greatly impact the adoption of ecological lifestyles, highlighting the need to address attitude changes in order to shift PEB.…”