2025/05/16 by Holli‐Anne Passmore, Ryan Lumber, Ryan M. Niemiec +1 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · Social Sciences · #Early Childhood Education and Development #Environmental Education and Sustainability #Urban Green Space and Health
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10902-025-00900-9
openalex publication_date 2025/05/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Abstract We tested the efficacy of engaging in two novel randomized interventions based on character strengths and engaging with nature on boosting nature connectedness and well-being. In Study 1 ( N = 134, international community adults) and Study 2 ( N = 106, Canadian university students), participants were tasked with noticing how their character strengths were displayed in nature (C in N intervention). In Study 3 ( N = 99, Canadian university students), participants were tasked with using their highest character strength in a new way each day to connect with nature (CS with N intervention). A no treatment control condition was used for comparison. Both interventions significantly boosted nature connectedness ( d s = 0.48, 0.66, 0.67). With respect to well-being, the CS in N intervention significantly boosted transcendent connectedness ( ds = 053, 0.57), elevation ( d = 0.40), and harmony in life ( d = 0.48). The CS with N intervention also significantly boosted transcendent connectedness ( d = 0.43), elevation ( d = 0.48), and harmony in life ( d = 0.50), along with satisfaction of basic need of relatedness ( d = 0.58), flourishing ( d = 0.57), satisfaction with life ( d = 0.44), and positive affect ( d = 0.43). Beneficial effects on nature connectedness and well-being were evident despite there being no significant difference in time spent in nature compared to controls. These findings present a unique contribution to the current literature. To our knowledge, the CS in N and CS with N interventions are the first interventions developed and tested that incorporate character strengths and engagement with nature with the dual goal of boosting nature connectedness and individual well-being.