Adapting and validating a game-based testing instrument for measuring nature connectedness in children

Abstract

This study aimed to adapt and validate a Canadian-developed instrument for measuring nature connectedness among young children in China. Nature connectedness, which encompasses emotional, cognitive, and experiential relationships with the natural environment, is linked to various positive outcomes in children, including well-being, eco-friendly behaviors, and academic success. However, existing instruments, which often rely on self-reports, face challenges when applied to young children due to dependence on introspective and expressive abilities and issues with cultural relevance across diverse settings. To address these limitations, this research adapted and validated a game-based instrument through three steps: adaptation for cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy, expert review for content validity, and empirical testing for construct validity. The initial adaptation was informed by a pilot study with 38 children in Hangzhou, which led to further modifications based on feedback. The adapted Chinese version was tested with 406 kindergartners from Hangzhou and Shanghai, demonstrating good reliability and validity in measuring nature connectedness in this population. Findings indicate that the adapted instrument effectively captures the dimensions of nature connectedness among young Chinese children, validating its feasibility of adapting for use in non-Western contexts. This research underscores the importance of culturally sensitive tools in environmental psychology and education, offering a valuable methodology for understanding and enhancing children's connections with nature across different cultural backgrounds. The study contributes to developing educational strategies and environmental policies to foster a deep, enduring relationship between children and the natural world.