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

Abstract

In contemporary urban settings, enhancing the well-being of youth is a challenge. The proliferation of screen time, particularlypost-pandemic, has contributed to an alarming disconnection with nature. This study investigates the impact of natureconnectedness on the well-being of urban youth residing in the 25 most populated cities in India. 2283 urban youth respondedto an online survey questionnaire that aimed to assess participants’ exposure to and interaction with nature. Respondentsself-reported their proximity to green and blue spaces near their residences, the frequency of recreational visits to theseareas, time spent in indoor environments, nature connectedness (NIS), and well-being (WHO-5). Multivariate regressionanalysis results show that urban youth with access to both green and blue spaces within 1-kilometer or between 1-3 kilometersradius, along with frequent recreational visits to these spaces, reported a significant positive association with well-being.Additionally, spending less than 8 hours in indoor environments and a high nature connectedness score had a significantpositive association with well-being. Moreover, logistic regression analysis shows that urban youth with WHO-5 scores lessthan 13, considered mentally distressed, who have access to both green and blue spaces within 1 kilometer or access to greenspaces between 1-3 kilometers, along with frequent recreational visits to these spaces, and a high nature connectednessscore, increases their log-odds of well-being significantly. This study conducted in the 25 most populated cities, representsa comprehensive exploration of the impact of nature connectedness on well-being in India. The implications of the studyextend to policy recommendations, advocating for the development of more parks in close proximity to residential areas. Suchinitiatives aim to encourage urban youth to actively engage with and experience nature, fostering improved well-being andreduced distress levels.