The Nature Relatedness Scale

Abstract

Disconnection from the natural world may be contributing to our planet's destruction. The authors propose a new construct, Nature Relatedness (NR), and a scale that assesses the affective, cognitive, and experiential aspects of individuals' connection to nature. In Study 1, the authors explored the internal structure of the NR item responses in a sample of 831 participants using factor analysis. They tested the construct validity of NR with respect to an assortment of environmental and personality measures. In Study 2, they employed experience sampling methodology examining if NR people spend more time outdoors, in nature. Across studies, NR correlated with environmental scales, behavior, and frequency of time in nature, supporting the reliability and validity of NR, as well as the contribution of NR (over and above other measures) to environmental concern and behavior. The potential of NR as a useful method for investigating human-nature relationships and the processes underlying environmental concern and behaviors are discussed.

Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention

“…Indeed, evidence from experimental studies demonstrates that participants primed with flowers are more likely to help strangers (Guéguen, Meineri, & Stefan, 2012), give money to others (Raihani & Bshary, 2012;Stillman & Hensley, 1980), act gregariously (Haviland-Jones, Rosario, Wilson, & McGuire, 2005), and feel attracted to someone they have just met (Guéguen, 2011(Guéguen, , 2012. Trait nature connectedness is positively associated with humanitarianism (Nisbet et al, 2009), social wellbeing (Howell, Dopko, Passmore, & Buro, 2011;Howell, Passmore, & Buro, 2013), kindness (Leary et al, 2008), empathic concern (Zhang, Piff, Iyer, Koleva, & Keltner, 2014), altruistic concern (Schultz, 2001), and perspective taking (Schultz, 2001).…”

“…Although typically conceived of as an individual difference (see Tam, 2013), nature connectedness can also be measured as a state; it can fluctuate in the short-term depending on situational context. Individuals who are more connected to nature spend more time outdoors (Mayer & Frantz, 2004;Nisbet, Zelenski, & Murphy, 2009;Tam, 2013), and nature contact often increases momentary feelings of connectedness (Mayer, Frantz, Bruehlman-Senecal, & Dolliver, 2009;Nisbet, 2013Nisbet, , 2014. In this review, we also discuss the advantages of contact with nature as a potential wellbeing intervention, and how research from this area is being applied to connect individuals with nature to improve wellbeing.…”

Building a culture of conservation: Research findings and research priorities on connecting people to nature in parks

“…Exploring individual differences in nature connection can potentially help foster the development of stronger human bonds with the natural world (Nisbet et al, 2011). People with high nature connectedness tend to have frequent, long-term contact with nature and spend the most time outdoors, exhibit ecologically aware attitudes and behaviours ( Nisbet et al, 2009;Parks Canada, 2011;Wellman et al, 1982;Williams & Huffman, 1986), and be happier (Zelenski & Nisbet, 2014). Although a strong predictor of nature connectedness is time spent in the outdoors (Chawla, 1999) some research suggests that general outdoor settings (as opposed to nature-focused/ natural settings) do not result in an increase in connectedness (Bruni & Schultz, 2010).…”

“…Emotions are critical in contributing to impactful or memorable experiences and in developing empathy towards the natural world, and thus are central to understanding nature connectedness and related outcomes such as support for parks (Kals et al, 1999;Nisbet et al, 2009;Vining, 1987). A significant body of literature points to the emotional connections between humans and nature (Kals et al, 1999;Mayer & Frantz, 2004).…”

Realizing the transformative potential of conservation through the social sciences, arts and humanities

“…Art in a more conventional sense also has the ability to transform our relationship to nature, making us reflect in ways that busy lives do not normally allow for. There is overwhelming evidence that our sense of connection to nature profoundly effects our willingness to protect it (Nisbet et al, 2009). Art, the humanities and philosophy can help us to reconnect and be inspired again.…”