Nature-based recreation associated with connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction among students in Brazil

Nature-based recreation (NBR) during childhood and connectedness to nature are linked to NBR during adulthood, a predictor of leisure satisfactionThis study investigated links between three phenomena: nature-based recreation (NBR), connectedness to nature, and leisure satisfaction. NBR refers to leisure activities occurring in natural settings, such as hiking and surfing. Connectedness to nature refers to an individual’s sense of connection with the natural world. Leisure satisfaction refers to the satisfaction individuals feel about their leisure practices and is recognized for the important role it plays in subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and quality of life. This study also explored several pathways that could help explain the relationships among NBR, connectedness to nature, and leisure satisfaction.

Over 200 undergraduate students completed an online survey assessing (a) their NBR during childhood, (b) their NBR during adulthood, (c) their connectedness to nature, and (d) their leisure satisfaction. A 13-item version of the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) was used to assess connectedness to nature. For assessing each of the other three areas, one-item questions were used: How frequently did you participate in leisure activities in contact with nature during childhood?” “How frequently do you participate in leisure activities in contact with nature?” and “‘How satisfied are you with your leisure practices?” For all three questions, participants were asked to rate their response on a scale of 1-5 (never to most days; unsatisfied to very satisfied).

Participants reported moderate to high levels of NBR participation during childhood and moderate levels during adulthood. They also reported moderate levels of leisure satisfaction. Statistical analysis showed that NBR during adulthood was a direct predictor of leisure satisfaction. Results also showed that NBR during childhood is positively associated with connectedness to nature, and that connectedness to nature is positively associated with participation in NBR during adulthood. These findings indicate that both connectedness to nature and NBR during childhood are indirectly linked to leisure satisfaction through NBR during adulthood.

This research suggests that NBR during childhood and connectedness to nature can contribute to leisure satisfaction at later life stages. The findings support increased opportunities for NBR during childhood that emphasize connectedness to nature.