Development and validation of the Nature Experiences Questionnaire: A brief multidimensional measure of nature connection

Abstract

Nature connection is a common construct in research examining relationships between the natural environment and human well-being. The multidimensionality of the concept is often described but rarely reflected in existing unidimensional measures, which can also be limited by poor psychometric characteristics. This research aimed to develop and validate a new brief (9-item) multidimensional self-report measure: The Nature Experiences Questionnaire (NEQ). Scale items were formulated from a review of relevant literature and in consultation with experts. Study 1 investigated the underlying structure using exploratory factor analysis in a sample of 142 undergraduate psychology students. The resulting three-factor solution was replicated in Studies 2 and 3 using confirmatory factor analyses in independent samples of community members (n = 231) and workers (n = 2629). The NEQ was positively correlated with two existing measures of nature connection, and the three subscales (nature affect, cognitions and behaviour) predicted more variance in well-being. The NEQ demonstrated robust psychometric properties over time and was predictive of worker well-being, relaxation from work and job satisfaction. The implications and recommendations for the use of this measure are discussed.