This meta-analysis explored the relationship between connection with nature and eudaimonic well-being (EWB) – that is, well-being related to “functioning well” or fulfilling one's potential. This research also tested the hypothesis that the relationship between nature connection and EWB is stronger than the relationship between NC and hedonic well-being (HWB) – that is, well-being related to “feeling well” or having pleasant feelings. While previous research found that people with more nature connection tend to have higher levels of HWB, this is the first known review to focus on the relationship between nature connection and EWB. The concept of nature connection, as used in this study, means feeling connected with nature as a potential means of developing and maintaining one's well-being. Nature connection, in this sense, means more than exposure to nature or simply spending time in nature.
This review defines eudaimonic well-being as comprising one or more of the six dimensions of well-being as measured by Ryff 's Psychological Well-being Scale: autonomy, personal growth, self-acceptance, life purpose, environmental mastery, and positive relatedness. EWB, for purposes of this study, also considered vitality, or meaningfulness, as a dimension of EWB. For this meta-analysis, researchers consolidated results from 25 studies published from 1999 to June 2016. Papers were included if they (1) reported on the relationship between well-being and nature connection, (b) included at least one validated measure of EWB or HWB, and (3) included a measure of nature connection. The fact that only one of the included studies focused on children reflects the concern about a general lack of research on children's well-being and nature connection.
Results showed a small positive association between nature connection and EWB. Of the different dimensions of EWB, personal growth showed a significantly stronger association with nature connection than autonomy, purpose in life/meaning, self-acceptance, positive relations with others and environmental mastery. These results indicate that “individuals who are more connected to nature tend to have greater eudaimonic well-being, and in particular have higher levels of self-reported personal growth.” Results did not support the idea that there would be a stronger association between nature connection and EWB than between nature connection and HWB.
These results raise the possibility that people's relationship with nature may have a particularly important role in furthering psychological growth and development. Because "nature's effect on childhood development may be equally—if not more—important [than nature's effect on adults]. . . . the consequences for nature disconnection in childhood could be long-term, and not easily repaired by experiences in adulthood."
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