The role of nature connectedness in facial dissatisfaction and body appreciation: The mediating effect of appearance-contingent self-worth in a cross-cultural context

Based on the goal-discrepancy theory, this research comprised two studies investigating the impact of nature connectedness on facial dissatisfaction and body image, along with its underlying mechanisms. Study 1 employed a between-subjects experimental design to establish the causal influence of nature connectedness. A total of 240 Chinese participants (119 males; with a mean age of 30.25 ± 7.73 years old) were randomly assigned to either a high or low nature connectedness condition. Results showed that participants in the high nature connectedness condition reported significantly lower levels of appearance-contingent self-worth and facial dissatisfaction, and higher body appreciation, confirming the mediating role of appearance-contingent self-worth in this causal pathway. Study 2 aimed to assess the generalizability of these findings across cultures using cross-sectional data from 350 Chinese participants (131 males, with a mean age of 30.09 ± 7.47 years old) and 342 American participants (125 males; with a mean age of 34.22 ± 12.09 years old). Multiple group structural equation modeling revealed that the mediating role of appearance-contingent self-worth was supported in both cultural groups; however, the strength of the associations differed significantly. These findings suggest that while the underlying mechanism is present across cultural contexts, its strength varies by culture. Taken together, these studies provide both causal and cross-cultural evidence that nature connectedness may improve body image by reducing appearance-contingent self-worth. The results also offer a theoretical basis for the development of culturally sensitive, nature-based interventions targeting body image concerns.