Creating Kinship with Nature and Boosting Well-Being: Testing Two Novel Character Strengths-Based Nature Connectedness Interventions

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 (CinN 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 (CSwithN intervention). A no treatment control condition was used for comparison. Both interventions significantly boosted nature connectedness (ds = 0.48, 0.66, 0.67). With respect to well-being, the CSinN intervention significantly boosted transcendent connectedness (ds = 053, 0.57), elevation (d = 0.40), and harmony in life (d = 0.48). The CSwithN 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 CSinN and CSwithN 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.