Connecting with nature: The missing link between a satisfied life and a healthy life?

Abstract

Nature connection is an important leverage point for human wellbeing and planetary health. In this paper, we examine the varying relationships between nature connection and wellbeing measures through a nationally-representative survey in Australia. We find a positive association between nature connection and two measures of wellbeing: life satisfaction (measured through the personal wellbeing index; PWI) and health-related quality-of-life (measured through the Australian Quality of Life (AQoL) tool). Nature connection was associated with all PWI life domains with a strength of association similar to the relationship between income and PWI. We find a stronger association between nature connection and how satisfied a person feels about their life (PWI) than how well a person feels they function in life (AQoL). Those with higher levels of nature connection tend to have greater life satisfaction than expected from their health-related quality-of-life. These findings highlight the potential to improve wellbeing via nature connection, by expanding opportunities to meaningfully connect with nature.

Bibliographic Information