Psychological Well-Being and Nature Relatedness

Abstract

The way people perceive contact with nature may impact their environmental attitudes and psychological well-being (WB). Nature relatedness (NR) refers to the affective, cognitive, and experiential aspects of individuals’ connection to nature. The aim of the presented research concentrates on the assessment of the relationship between well-being, self-control and connectedness with the natural environment. The data was collected via online questionnaire between March and April 2022. In the study, we combined descriptive statistics with analysis of variance. We also quantitatively assessed correlations between major components of NR scale and psychological WB across men’ and women’ inquires. The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the general index of NR and overall psychological WB. Furthermore, correlation between specific aspects of NR and WB subscales were also observed. These interactions are considerable among both men and women. We have also identified a major correlation between NR and self-control, which indicates the link between the way a person approaches oneself and natural environment. Finally, the analysis provides evidence that women are on average more related to nature, although the men may benefit more from this kind of relationship. Further gender differences could be observed in terms of nature-relatedness perspective component, general self-control, score and overall NR score These relationships are highly vital among men while irrelevant among women.

Influence of mangrove forests on subjective and psychological wellbeing of coastal communities: Case studies in Malaysia and Indonesia

“…White et al ( 64 , 65 ) suggested that the association of exposure to coastal environments and stress reduction may promote good mental health. Grabowska-Chenczke et al ( 23 ) commented that nature relatedness is a basic psychological need, which is strongly connected to affective and cognitive aspects of human wellbeing. Furthermore, environmental aspects of a coastal area may be described as an attractive, quiet, and peaceful settings, supporting high levels of mental wellbeing ( 66 ).…”

“…Along with subjective wellbeing, the intrinsic values (e.g., aesthetic, moral, and cultural values) of ecosystem services and the interactions between human and nature have a bearing upon psychological wellbeing of community people ( 13 , 20 , 21 ). It is evidence that direct and indirect contact with nature improves peoples' emotion, reduces stress, makes them feel more alive and cooperative, and thus improves psychological wellbeing of people ( 22 , 23 ). Various studies have shown [e.g., ( 24 , 25 )] that forest-based activities such as forest walk and viewing scenic beauty have positive impacts on mental health, including stress, anxiety, depression, negative emotions, and quality of life.…”

The Physiological and Psychological Effects Benefits of Forest Therapy (FT) on Tourists in the Kranjska Gora Destination

“…Cortisol concentration, DHEA concentration, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate are commonly used parameters for the immune system and general human well-being [5,6,23]. SPANE is a commonly used scale for measuring human well-being [24,25]. The need for the Pemberton happiness index [26], a measure of well-being that integrates various aspects of an individual's well-being, was recognized, beside the positive and negative emotions.…”

Exploring the impact of nature connectedness on well-being among urban youth from 25 mostpopulated cities in India

“…Several studies across Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the UK tend to report similar findings 39,47,48,50,57,58,65 . It has been found that nature connectedness increases attention capacity, induces positive emotions 21,36 , improves well-being, enhances self-control 33,42 , sparks proenvironmental behaviours 38 , reduces the likelihood of mental distress 40 and leads to lower anxiety 43 .…”

“…Literature indicates a positive impact of nature connectedness on well-being including stress-related recovery, psychological well-being, cognitive recovery from response inhibition, and attentional fatigue 31 . Nature-based interventions were found to help reduce anxiety levels and affect perceived restoration due to enhanced nature connectedness 32 , also improving well-being and self-control 33 . Short-term exposure to green spaces tends to reduce stress and depressive symptoms and increase self-esteem, mood, mental and physical health, and the development of nature connectedness among undergraduate students 34,35 .…”