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The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Alison Pritchard

    (University of Derby)

  • Miles Richardson

    (University of Derby)

  • David Sheffield

    (University of Derby)

  • Kirsten McEwan

    (University of Derby)

Abstract

Nature connectedness relates to an individual’s subjective sense of their relationship with the natural world. A recent meta-analysis has found that people who are more connected to nature also tend to have higher levels of self-reported hedonic well-being; however, no reviews have focussed on nature connection and eudaimonic well-being. This meta-analysis was undertaken to explore the relationship of nature connection with eudaimonic well-being and to test the hypothesis that this relationship is stronger than that of nature connection and hedonic well-being. From 20 samples (n = 4758), a small significant effect size was found for the relationship of nature connection and eudaimonic well-being (r = 0.24); there was no significant difference between this and the effect size (from 30 samples n = 11,638) for hedonic well-being (r = 0.20). Of the eudaimonic well-being subscales, personal growth had a moderate effect size which was significantly larger than the effect sizes for autonomy, purpose in life/meaning, self-acceptance, positive relations with others and environmental mastery, but not vitality. Thus, individuals who are more connected to nature tend to have greater eudaimonic well-being, and in particular have higher levels of self-reported personal growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Alison Pritchard & Miles Richardson & David Sheffield & Kirsten McEwan, 2020. "The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 1145-1167, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:21:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s10902-019-00118-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-019-00118-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Migle Baceviciene & Rasa Jankauskiene, 2022. "The Mediating Effect of Nature Restorativeness, Stress Level, and Nature Connectedness in the Association between Nature Exposure and Quality of Life," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-15, February.
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    14. Li-Pei Peng, 2020. "Understanding Human–Nature Connections Through Landscape Socialization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-18, October.
    15. Susan D. Clayton, 2021. "Environment, Identity, and Response to Polluted Landscapes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-12, August.
    16. Ruiz‐Palomino, Pablo & Martínez‐Cañas, Ricardo & Bañón‐Gomis, Alexis, 2021. "Is unethical leadership a negative for Employees' personal growth and intention to stay? The buffering role of responsibility climate," MPRA Paper 119579, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    17. Wei Cui & Zhihui Yang, 2022. "Association Between Connection to Nature and Children’s Happiness in China: Children’s Negative Affectivity and Gender as Moderators," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 47-63, January.
    18. Migle Baceviciene & Rasa Jankauskiene & Viren Swami, 2021. "Nature Exposure and Positive Body Image: A Cross–Sectional Study Examining the Mediating Roles of Physical Activity, Autonomous Motivation, Connectedness to Nature, and Perceived Restorativeness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-16, November.
    19. Patricia M. Darcy & Jennifer Taylor & Lorna Mackay & Naomi J. Ellis & Christopher J. Gidlow, 2022. "Understanding the Role of Nature Engagement in Supporting Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-27, March.
    20. Jiménez-Estévez, Pedro & Yáñez-Araque, Benito & Ruiz-Palomino, Pablo & Gutiérrez-Broncano, Santiago, 2023. "Personal growth or servant leader: What do hotel employees need most to be affectively well amidst the turbulent COVID-19 times?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).

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