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Miles Richardson
Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK

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Preprint content
Published: 04 March 2021
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A strong connection to nature promotes behaviours that help conserve the natural world. However, it is likely that this relationship is reciprocal, with the pathways to nature connectedness including care for nature through pro-nature conservation behaviours and sensory contact with nature. Pro-conservation behaviours vary in terms of how much visible biodiversity, and therefore contact with nature, they produce. It is likely that conservation behaviours that support higher visible biodiversity will result in more sensory contact with nature and therefore greater levels of nature connectedness. The present research investigates the relationship between garden-focussed pro-nature conservation behaviour, noticing nature and nature connectedness using data from Natural England’s People and Nature Survey in the UK, a large national survey that includes items to measure noticing nature, nature connectedness, and pro-nature conservation behaviours. Results suggest that undertaking garden-based pro-nature conservation behaviours that enhance visible biodiversity leads to an increase in noticing nature, which in turn leads to an increase in nature connectedness. These results point to a relatively simple way to boost human connection to nature: boost and engage people with visible biodiversity.

ACS Style

Iain Hamlin; Miles Richardson. Visible Garden Biodiversity Leads to an Increase in Noticing Nature, Which in Turn Leads to an Increase in Nature Connectedness. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Iain Hamlin, Miles Richardson. Visible Garden Biodiversity Leads to an Increase in Noticing Nature, Which in Turn Leads to an Increase in Nature Connectedness. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Iain Hamlin; Miles Richardson. 2021. "Visible Garden Biodiversity Leads to an Increase in Noticing Nature, Which in Turn Leads to an Increase in Nature Connectedness." , no. : 1.

Preprint content
Published: 13 January 2021
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During the restrictions imposed to control the coronavirus pandemic people have visited and noticed nature more. Research into the human-nature relationship often considers how visits or time in nature are related to human wellbeing. Recently, the closeness of the human-nature relationship measured by nature connectedness, and built through noticing nature, has also been considered, although rarely in concert with nature visits. Further, the reciprocal benefits of pro-nature behaviours are often overlooked. Natural England’s People and Nature Survey (PANS) in the UK was conducted during the initial pandemic response and allows further analysis of these factors. Using PANS data we assessed a number of wellbeing outcomes (loneliness, life satisfaction, worthwhile life and happiness) and pro-nature behaviours as a function of longer-term physical time in nature and psychological connectedness to nature and shorter-term visits and noticing of nature. In a baseline analysis of longer-term factors nature connectedness and time in nature were both consistent significant predictors of wellbeing measures (apart from loneliness) and pro-nature conservation behaviours. Considered alone, without controlling for longer-term measures, short-term visits and noticing were again consistent and significant predictors of three wellbeing measures. There was also a weak significant association between increased noticing of nature and increased loneliness and recent visits to nature were not associated with pro-nature conservation behaviours. A combined regression highlighted the importance of a longer-term relationship with nature in all outcomes apart from loneliness, but also revealed that, even when considered in concert with longer-term factors, currently noticing nature had a role in feeling one’s life was worthwhile life, pro-nature behaviours and loneliness.

ACS Style

Miles Richardson; Iain Hamlin. Noticing nature, nature connectedness and time in nature: Associations with Human and Nature’s Wellbeing during the Corona Pandemic. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Miles Richardson, Iain Hamlin. Noticing nature, nature connectedness and time in nature: Associations with Human and Nature’s Wellbeing during the Corona Pandemic. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miles Richardson; Iain Hamlin. 2021. "Noticing nature, nature connectedness and time in nature: Associations with Human and Nature’s Wellbeing during the Corona Pandemic." , no. : 1.

Research article
Published: 02 January 2021 in PsyEcology
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Aside from practical interventions such as providing green infrastructure to improve air quality or water contamination and reduce flooding, well-being interventions to increase engagement with the natural environment are one of the fastest growing ways of improving human and environmental health. This feasibility study assessed a novel smartphone app for well-being intervention. Over 30 days the app prompted adults, including those seeking help for a common mental health problem, to notice the good things about urban green or built spaces (control condition). Self-referral was successful with 885 people downloading the app, 435 supplying baseline data and 50 supplying post-intervention data. However, the low number of observations (M = 6 per participant) indicates that 30 days is too long to remain engaged. There were significant improvements in well-being and nature connection, but no difference between green and built space conditions. Limitations, future recommendations regarding improving engagement and marketing to lower socio-economic status groups are discussed.

ACS Style

Kirsten McEwan; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Fiona J. Ferguson; Paul Brindley. Assessing the feasibility of public engagement in a smartphone app to improve well-being through nature connection (Evaluación de la factibilidad de la implicación ciudadana mediante una app de teléfonos inteligentes para mejorar el bienestar a través de la conexión con la naturaleza). PsyEcology 2021, 12, 45 -75.

AMA Style

Kirsten McEwan, Miles Richardson, David Sheffield, Fiona J. Ferguson, Paul Brindley. Assessing the feasibility of public engagement in a smartphone app to improve well-being through nature connection (Evaluación de la factibilidad de la implicación ciudadana mediante una app de teléfonos inteligentes para mejorar el bienestar a través de la conexión con la naturaleza). PsyEcology. 2021; 12 (1):45-75.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten McEwan; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Fiona J. Ferguson; Paul Brindley. 2021. "Assessing the feasibility of public engagement in a smartphone app to improve well-being through nature connection (Evaluación de la factibilidad de la implicación ciudadana mediante una app de teléfonos inteligentes para mejorar el bienestar a través de la conexión con la naturaleza)." PsyEcology 12, no. 1: 45-75.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2021 in Ecosystems and People
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This perspective paper synthesises the special issue ‘Human-nature connectedness as a leverage point for sustainability transformation’. Based on the articles in this special issue, we aim to foster the operationalisation of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations to enable sustainability transformations. Specifically, we draw on four key advantages of the leverage points perspective: (i) the explicit recognition of deep leverage points; (ii) the ability to examine the interactions between shallow and deep system changes; (iii) the combination of causal and teleological modes of research; and (iv) the ability to function as a methodological boundary object. The contributions to this special issue revealed three deep leverage points addressing paradigm shifts in research and beyond: relational thinking and values, stewardship philosophy and shifting the economic growth paradigm to focus on human well-being. We highlight interlinkages between leverage points to further strengthen the transformative potential of interventions that aim at triggering shifts in our understanding about human-nature relations. Further, we show a way to bridge causal and teleological approaches by envisioning desired futures. Lastly, we emphasise the potential of arts-based methodologies, including participatory, transdisciplinary research to foster sustainability transformation and how this can be combined within the leverage points perspective.

ACS Style

Maraja Riechers; Jacqueline Loos; Ágnes Balázsi; Marina García-Llorente; Claudia Bieling; Aracely Burgos-Ayala; Leila Chakroun; Thomas J.M. Mattijssen; Maximilian M. Muhr; Irene Pérez-Ramírez; Kaisa J. Raatikainen; Sakshi Rana; Miles Richardson; Linda Rosengren; Simon West. Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations. Ecosystems and People 2021, 17, 205 -214.

AMA Style

Maraja Riechers, Jacqueline Loos, Ágnes Balázsi, Marina García-Llorente, Claudia Bieling, Aracely Burgos-Ayala, Leila Chakroun, Thomas J.M. Mattijssen, Maximilian M. Muhr, Irene Pérez-Ramírez, Kaisa J. Raatikainen, Sakshi Rana, Miles Richardson, Linda Rosengren, Simon West. Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations. Ecosystems and People. 2021; 17 (1):205-214.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maraja Riechers; Jacqueline Loos; Ágnes Balázsi; Marina García-Llorente; Claudia Bieling; Aracely Burgos-Ayala; Leila Chakroun; Thomas J.M. Mattijssen; Maximilian M. Muhr; Irene Pérez-Ramírez; Kaisa J. Raatikainen; Sakshi Rana; Miles Richardson; Linda Rosengren; Simon West. 2021. "Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations." Ecosystems and People 17, no. 1: 205-214.

Journal article
Published: 24 September 2020 in Journal of Environmental Psychology
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The psychological construct of nature connectedness - the depth of an individual’s relationship with the natural world - has not only been associated with benefits for mental well-being but has also shown relationships with personality traits relevant to the dark personality literature. These include agreeableness, cognitive and affective empathy, and callous and uncaring traits. Across two independently-sampled studies we delineate relationships between explicit and implicit indices of nature connectedness and dark personality. In Study 1 (N = 304), psychopathy (and Machiavellianism) was associated with self-reported, but not implicitly-measured, nature connectedness. Moreover, individuals scoring high on dark personality exhibited a preference for inner-city, relative to suburban or rural living. In Study 2 (N = 209), we replicated the findings of Study 1 in relation to explicit measures of nature connectedness but did not find further relationships between dark personality and the population densities of where participants had previously lived. Limitations of implicit and pseudo indices of nature connectedness are outlined, and the results are discussed in relation to future research and the potential role of nature connectedness interventions in forensic populations. Data, syntax, and the manuscript pre-print are available here: [https://osf.io/3mg5d/?view_only=b5c7749d4a7945c5a161f0915a2d0259].

ACS Style

D. Fido; Alice Rees; P. Clarke; D. Petronzi; Miles Richardson. Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality. Journal of Environmental Psychology 2020, 72, 101499 .

AMA Style

D. Fido, Alice Rees, P. Clarke, D. Petronzi, Miles Richardson. Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 2020; 72 ():101499.

Chicago/Turabian Style

D. Fido; Alice Rees; P. Clarke; D. Petronzi; Miles Richardson. 2020. "Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality." Journal of Environmental Psychology 72, no. : 101499.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2020 in The Humanistic Psychologist
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Miles Richardson; Elizabeth Richardson; Jenny Hallam; Fiona J. Ferguson. Opening doors to nature: Bringing calm and raising aspirations of vulnerable young people through nature-based intervention. The Humanistic Psychologist 2020, 48, 284 -297.

AMA Style

Miles Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, Jenny Hallam, Fiona J. Ferguson. Opening doors to nature: Bringing calm and raising aspirations of vulnerable young people through nature-based intervention. The Humanistic Psychologist. 2020; 48 (3):284-297.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miles Richardson; Elizabeth Richardson; Jenny Hallam; Fiona J. Ferguson. 2020. "Opening doors to nature: Bringing calm and raising aspirations of vulnerable young people through nature-based intervention." The Humanistic Psychologist 48, no. 3: 284-297.

Research article
Published: 08 July 2020 in People and Nature
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The biodiversity crisis demands greater engagement in pro‐nature conservation behaviours. Research has examined factors which account for general pro‐environmental behaviour; that is, behaviour geared to minimizing one's impact on the environment. Yet, a dearth of research exists examining factors that account for pro‐nature conservation behaviour specifically—behaviour that directly and actively supports conservation of biodiversity. This study is the first of its kind to use a validated scale of pro‐nature conservation behaviour. Using online data from a United Kingdom population survey of 1,298 adults (16+ years), we examined factors (composed of nine variable‐blocks of items) that accounted for pro‐nature conservation behaviour. These were: individual characteristics (demographics, nature connectedness), nature experiences (time spent in nature, engaging with nature through simple activities, indirect engagement with nature), knowledge and attitudes (knowledge/study of nature, valuing and concern for nature) and pro‐environmental behaviour. Together, these explained 70% of the variation in people's actions for nature. Importantly, in a linear regression examining the relative importance of these variables to the prediction of pro‐nature conservation behaviour, time in nature did not emerge as significant. Engaging in simple nature activities (which is related to nature connectedness) emerged as the largest significant contributor to pro‐nature conservation behaviour. Commonality analysis revealed that variables worked together, with nature connectedness and engagement in simple activities being involved in the largest portion of explained variance. Overall, findings from the current study reinforce the critical role that having a close relationship with nature through simple everyday engagement plays in pro‐nature conservation behaviour. Policy recommendations are made. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

ACS Style

Miles Richardson; Holli‐Anne Passmore; Lea Barbett; Ryan Lumber; Rory Thomas; Alex Hunt. The green care code: How nature connectedness and simple activities help explain pro‐nature conservation behaviours. People and Nature 2020, 2, 821 -839.

AMA Style

Miles Richardson, Holli‐Anne Passmore, Lea Barbett, Ryan Lumber, Rory Thomas, Alex Hunt. The green care code: How nature connectedness and simple activities help explain pro‐nature conservation behaviours. People and Nature. 2020; 2 (3):821-839.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miles Richardson; Holli‐Anne Passmore; Lea Barbett; Ryan Lumber; Rory Thomas; Alex Hunt. 2020. "The green care code: How nature connectedness and simple activities help explain pro‐nature conservation behaviours." People and Nature 2, no. 3: 821-839.

Journal article
Published: 15 June 2020 in Sustainability
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Scientists have classed the ongoing decline in biodiversity—caused by humans—as a mass extinction. To mitigate the consequences of this extinction, immediate action is of the utmost importance. However, effective ways of promoting pro-nature conservation behaviours to preserve and enhance biodiversity require better understanding and measurement. Thus, a reliable and valid measurement tool is needed. While there are measurement tools for general pro-environmental behaviours, as of yet, no measure of behaviours that specifically promote biodiversity exists. Here, we present such a tool: the Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale (ProCoBS), a psychometrically validated questionnaire scale measuring active behaviours that specifically support the conservation of biodiversity. An item pool developed through consultation with wildlife and biodiversity experts was subjected to psychometric scale development analyses. Data from 300 participants were used to develop the 18-item ProCoBS long form, as well as an 8-item short form. A latent variable model with four factors (Individual Engagement, Social Engagement, Planting, and Wildlife) was identified. In a second study, a subset of 250 of the original participants answered the questionnaire again, in addition to related psychological constructs. The data were used to assess test–retest reliability and construct validity. Results showed that the scale and its short form were reliable (full scale: α = 0.893, short form: α = 0.825) and valid. In a third study, a representative sample of 1298 adults in the UK completed the short form. Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated a good fit for all factors, indicating that the ProCoBS is a psychometrically robust measure. The ProCoBS provides the definitive, much needed tool for measuring conservation behaviours. This will enhance research and impact practical work in the conservation domain for a sustainable future. A cross-cultural examination of the scale is still needed.

ACS Style

Lea Barbett; Edward Stupple; Michael Sweet; Malcolm Schofield; Miles Richardson. Measuring Actions for Nature—Development and Validation of a Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4885 .

AMA Style

Lea Barbett, Edward Stupple, Michael Sweet, Malcolm Schofield, Miles Richardson. Measuring Actions for Nature—Development and Validation of a Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (12):4885.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lea Barbett; Edward Stupple; Michael Sweet; Malcolm Schofield; Miles Richardson. 2020. "Measuring Actions for Nature—Development and Validation of a Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviour Scale." Sustainability 12, no. 12: 4885.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2020 in Ecosystems and People
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The climate emergency and crisis of biodiversity loss show that the human–nature relationship is failing. This paper introduces the psychological construct of nature connectedness as a measurable target for improving the human–nature relationship, and therefore helping tackle the warming climate and loss of wildlife. The ‘pathways to nature connectedness’ (sensory contact, emotion, meaning, beauty and compassion) provide an important and flexible framework to help improve the human–nature relationship. Research evidence and practical examples are given from organisations using the pathways (e.g. National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust). This illustrates how the pathways provide a new methodological approach for improving human–nature relationships. A systems perspective is taken to consider wider application of the pathways framework. The societal relevance of the pathways approach is proposed, and the application of nature connectedness is considered across a range of leverage points relevant across multiple societal scales (from individuals to societies). Recommendations are given for specific pathways informed interventions to improve the human–nature relationship. These interventions focus on cultural programmes and urban design to increase sensory, meaningful and emotional engagement with nature. The interventions based on the pathways framework engage with leverage points around system goals, design, feedback and parameters across policy areas such as education, health, housing, arts, health and transport. This shows that the pathways to nature connectedness have a large scale of societal relevance and the potential to provide solutions across a range of leverage points to foster closer human–nature relationships across society.

ACS Style

M. Richardson; J. Dobson; D. J. Abson; R. Lumber; A. Hunt; R. Young; B. Moorhouse. Applying the pathways to nature connectedness at a societal scale: a leverage points perspective. Ecosystems and People 2020, 16, 387 -401.

AMA Style

M. Richardson, J. Dobson, D. J. Abson, R. Lumber, A. Hunt, R. Young, B. Moorhouse. Applying the pathways to nature connectedness at a societal scale: a leverage points perspective. Ecosystems and People. 2020; 16 (1):387-401.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. Richardson; J. Dobson; D. J. Abson; R. Lumber; A. Hunt; R. Young; B. Moorhouse. 2020. "Applying the pathways to nature connectedness at a societal scale: a leverage points perspective." Ecosystems and People 16, no. 1: 387-401.

Journal article
Published: 06 November 2019 in Landscape and Urban Planning
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Green interventions which connect people with nature to improve wellbeing are increasingly being applied to tackle the current crisis in mental health. A novel Smartphone app intervention was evaluated amongst adults (n = 228) including (n = 53) adults with common mental health problems, with the aim to improve wellbeing through noticing the good things about urban nature. The app prompted participants once a day over 7 days to write notes about the good things they noticed in urban green spaces. Notes were thematically analysed and ten themes emerged. The three themes with the greatest representation were: i) wonder at encountering wildlife in day-to-day urban settings; ii) appreciation of street trees; and iii) awe at colourful, expansive, dramatic skies and views. Through combining the above themes with the pathways to nature connectedness this paper provides an extended framework of activities to inform activity programming, nature engagement media content, and ‘green health’ interventions. Moreover, the findings have strong implications for optimising city planning, design and management for the wellbeing of both humans and wildlife.

ACS Style

Kirsten McEwan; Fiona J. Ferguson; Miles Richardson; Ross Cameron. The good things in urban nature: A thematic framework for optimising urban planning for nature connectedness. Landscape and Urban Planning 2019, 194, 103687 .

AMA Style

Kirsten McEwan, Fiona J. Ferguson, Miles Richardson, Ross Cameron. The good things in urban nature: A thematic framework for optimising urban planning for nature connectedness. Landscape and Urban Planning. 2019; 194 ():103687.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten McEwan; Fiona J. Ferguson; Miles Richardson; Ross Cameron. 2019. "The good things in urban nature: A thematic framework for optimising urban planning for nature connectedness." Landscape and Urban Planning 194, no. : 103687.

Preprint content
Published: 05 November 2019
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The planet is facing an anthropogenic mass extinction of wildlife, which will have a grave impact on the environment and humans. Widespread human action is needed to minimize the negative impact of humans on biodiversity and support the restoration of wildlife. In order to find effective ways to promote pro-nature conservation behaviours to the general population, there is a need to provide a list of behaviours which will have worthwhile ecological impact and are worth encouraging. In a novel collaboration between psychologists and ecologists, 70 experts from practical and academic conservation backgrounds were asked to review and rate 48 conservation related behaviours. According to their judgement, this short paper presents a ranked list of pro-nature conservation behaviours for the public in the UK and similar landscapes. This includes behaviours people can engage in in their homes, their gardens, on their land, and in their roles as citizens.

ACS Style

Lea Barbett; Edward Stupple; Michael Sweet; Miles Richardson. An Expert Ranked List of Pro-nature Conservation Behaviours for Public Use. 2019, 1 .

AMA Style

Lea Barbett, Edward Stupple, Michael Sweet, Miles Richardson. An Expert Ranked List of Pro-nature Conservation Behaviours for Public Use. . 2019; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lea Barbett; Edward Stupple; Michael Sweet; Miles Richardson. 2019. "An Expert Ranked List of Pro-nature Conservation Behaviours for Public Use." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 12 September 2019 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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In an increasingly urbanised world where mental health is currently in crisis, interventions to increase human engagement and connection with the natural environment are one of the fastest growing, most widely accessible, and cost-effective ways of improving human wellbeing. This study aimed to provide an evaluation of a smartphone app-based wellbeing intervention. In a randomised controlled trial study design, the app prompted 582 adults, including a subgroup of adults classified by baseline scores on the Recovering Quality of Life scale as having a common mental health problem (n = 148), to notice the good things about urban nature (intervention condition) or built spaces (active control). There were statistically significant and sustained improvements in wellbeing at one-month follow-up. Importantly, in the noticing urban nature condition, compared to a built space control, improvements in quality of life reached statistical significance for all adults and clinical significance for those classified as having a mental health difficulty. This improvement in wellbeing was partly explained by significant increases in nature connectedness and positive affect. This study provides the first controlled experimental evidence that noticing the good things about urban nature has strong clinical potential as a wellbeing intervention and social prescription.

ACS Style

Kirsten McEwan; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Fiona J. Ferguson; Paul Brindley. A Smartphone App for Improving Mental Health through Connecting with Urban Nature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 3373 .

AMA Style

Kirsten McEwan, Miles Richardson, David Sheffield, Fiona J. Ferguson, Paul Brindley. A Smartphone App for Improving Mental Health through Connecting with Urban Nature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (18):3373.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten McEwan; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Fiona J. Ferguson; Paul Brindley. 2019. "A Smartphone App for Improving Mental Health through Connecting with Urban Nature." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 18: 3373.

Editorial
Published: 20 August 2019 in Frontiers in Psychology
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Mental health issues are on the rise across the world. There is a growing recognition and evidence base from a variety of disciplines and countries that the environment has a greater impact of human health and wellbeing than traditionally accepted. Articles in this collection demonstrate further that being in contact with nature has proven capacities to enhance psychological health and wellbeing. However, while the benefits are clear, the relationship turns out to be more nuanced that previously expected. We need more research to understand these nuances and determine how best to enhance the human-nature relationship for the benefit of humans and the planet. It is now imperative that we learn from the overwhelming evidence base and apply this knowledge at a global level. The impact of these findings indicate that policy makers and health practitioners, for example, need to find ways of providing more experiences to contact with nature across all seasons and to provide environments where rich biodiversity can flourish. The urgency of this cannot be overemphasised and the need for multidisciplinary approaches to research and application is imperative.This special edition responds to two interrelated issues confronting humanity today: the health and wellbeing of populations and the state of the natural environment. Mental Health disorders are on the rise across the world. A report commissioned by Lancet in 2018 estimated that 1.1 billion people are currently affected by adverse mental health issues (Frankish, Boyce & Horton, 2018; Chandra & Chand, 2018). At the same time, the planet is being pushed to its limits from the effects of climate change and estimates that nearly 60% of the earth's mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been killed by human activity in the last 4 decades alonethere is an ongoing biological annihilation (Ceballos et al 2017WWF, 2018). The implications of these issues are not only financial; they threaten the future of human civilisation itself (Ceballos et al 2017) as it depends upon the Earth’s natural systems (Whitmee et al 2015). It is now vital that governments, policy makers and practitioners across all sectors focus efforts on improving the human-nature relationship. Recognition of the importance of finding ways to improve the human relationship with the rest of nature for the wellbeing of people and the wider natural world is now international and reflected in responses to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (goal 3) (Chandra & Chand, 2018; Parsons, Houge Mackenzie, Filep, & Brymer, 2019; Peacock, & Brymer, 2018; Sharma-Brymer & Brymer, 2019 ), ‘One Health’ models of human, environmental and wildlife health (Rabinowitz et al 2018) and clinical ecology (Nelson et al 2019). Some argue that globalisation, the rise in technology, population growth and, and the perceived diminution of nature's worth for human psychological, emotional and physical health has caused a disconnect between humanity and the rest of nature. As this disconnect continues and potentially grows, the prospects of achieving human wellbeing within the dominant economic development paradigm weakens. Vital alternative, sustainable and integrated development paradigms are being developed that aim to re-address the balance between the human system and the Earth system (Rockström, 2015). Fortunately, research in this area continues to grow and we know a great deal more about the human-nature relationship, its benefits and ways to improve it (e.g. Lumber et al, 2017) than we did just a few years ago. , which together have the potential to aid the improvement of current economic paradigms. The articles in this special edition clearly demonstrate this and provide hope that we will find a better way to relate to the rest of the natural world and consequently to ourselves. It is now clear that the responsibility for mapping out the future for human health is not merely an issue for medicine and allied health. Perhaps more than any other issue affecting humanity, the future for the health of people and planet depends on multiple disciplines working together. This special edition reflects this notion with perspectives and evidence drawn from psychology, ecology, sport science, public health, environmental studies, biology, social science, forestry, education, occupational health, information technology, built environments, pharmaceutical and medical sciences, zoology, tourism, and philosophy. Researchers herald from the UK, Australia, United States, Finland, Norway, France and Austria providing a wide, inclusive and multidisciplinary insight to this research area.All of the papers argue that the human-nature relationship is an important one, one to understand, enhance and protect. Human health and wellbeing benefits range from those that enhance flourishing and thriving to those where nature interactions protect against the onset of illness, to those where nature is an effective intervention for ill health. The contexts explored in this special edition are equally diverse and include the workplace (Hyvonen et al.), semi-natural or urban green spaces (Pasanen et al.; Wood et al.; Tracey, Gray, Truong & Ward; Roe, Aspinall & Thompson) as well as wilder contexts (Niedermeier, Hartl & Kopp), which all found nature experiences in these contexts beneficial to improving wellbeing. Importantly, Barnes et al., Roe et al., Schebella et al., and Wood et al. provide wider evidence of the link between the natural environment, biodiversity and wellbeing, and Hyvönen et al. show that nature should be included in models of workplace wellbeing. Additionally, there is recognition of the challenges of accessing nature and research on the use of nature-based guided imagery (Nguyen & Brymer) and simulations of natural scenes (Wooler et al.; Calogiuiri et al.) find they are effective anxiety and stress management interventions. Roe, Aspinall and Thompson highlight well, however, the...

ACS Style

Eric Brymer; Elizabeth Louise Freeman; Miles Richardson. Editorial: One Health: The Well-being Impacts of Human-Nature Relationships. Frontiers in Psychology 2019, 10, 1 .

AMA Style

Eric Brymer, Elizabeth Louise Freeman, Miles Richardson. Editorial: One Health: The Well-being Impacts of Human-Nature Relationships. Frontiers in Psychology. 2019; 10 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eric Brymer; Elizabeth Louise Freeman; Miles Richardson. 2019. "Editorial: One Health: The Well-being Impacts of Human-Nature Relationships." Frontiers in Psychology 10, no. : 1.

Preprint content
Published: 06 August 2019
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The psychological construct of nature connectedness - the depth of an individual’s relationship with the natural world - has not only been associated with benefits for mental well-being but has also shown relationships with personality traits relevant to the dark personality literature. These include agreeableness, cognitive and affective empathy, and callous and uncaring traits. Across two independently-sampled studies we delineate relationships between explicit and implicit indices of nature connectedness and dark personality. In Study 1 (N = 304), psychopathy (and Machiavellianism) was associated with self-reported, but not implicitly-measured, nature connectedness. Moreover, individuals scoring high on dark personality exhibited a preference for inner-city, relative to suburban or rural living. In Study 2 (N = 209), we replicated the findings of Study 1 in relation to explicit measures of nature connectedness but did not find further relationships between dark personality and the population densities of where participants had previously lived. Limitations of implicit and pseudo indices of nature connectedness are outlined, and the results are discussed in relation to future research and the potential role of nature connectedness interventions in forensic populations. Pre-registration information: [https://osf.io/2bpwy]. Data, syntax, and manuscript pre-print: [https://osf.io/3mg5d/?view_only=b5c7749d4a7945c5a161f0915a2d0259].

ACS Style

Dean Fido; Alice Rees; Philip Clarke; Dominic Petronzi; Miles Richardson. Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality. 2019, 1 .

AMA Style

Dean Fido, Alice Rees, Philip Clarke, Dominic Petronzi, Miles Richardson. Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality. . 2019; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dean Fido; Alice Rees; Philip Clarke; Dominic Petronzi; Miles Richardson. 2019. "Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 12 June 2019 in Sustainability
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With benefits to both human well-being and pro-nature conservation behaviors, nature connectedness is emerging as an important psychological construct for a sustainable future. The growing research and applied and policy-related interests require a straightforward measure of nature connectedness that is suitable for both children and adult populations. To establish the reliability of the new Nature Connection Index (NCI) three factor analyses were conducted. One was based on a large Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) dataset for adults (n = 3568) with a replication from data sets collected online (n = 553), and a third used MENE data from children (n = 351). To validate the NCI as a measure for nature connectedness an online comparison study (n = 153) included the NCI alongside other established measures. The results showed that the NCI was a reliable and valid scale that offers a short, simple alternative to other measures of nature connectedness, particularly for populations including both children and adults, measured face to face or online. The utility of the NCI is also supported, with variations associated with various pro-environmental and pro-conservation behaviors observed, and importantly the NCI also revealed changes in nature connectedness across the lifespan.

ACS Style

Miles Richardson; Anne Hunt; Joe Hinds; Rachel Bragg; Dean Fido; Dominic Petronzi; Lea Barbett; Theodore Clitherow; Matthew White. A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3250 .

AMA Style

Miles Richardson, Anne Hunt, Joe Hinds, Rachel Bragg, Dean Fido, Dominic Petronzi, Lea Barbett, Theodore Clitherow, Matthew White. A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (12):3250.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miles Richardson; Anne Hunt; Joe Hinds; Rachel Bragg; Dean Fido; Dominic Petronzi; Lea Barbett; Theodore Clitherow; Matthew White. 2019. "A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights." Sustainability 11, no. 12: 3250.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2019 in Ecopsychology
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Across the world and time, humans share an innate affinity with nature. In addition to its benefits for mental well-being, the psychological construct of nature connectedness has been associated with several psychopathy-relevant traits including agreeableness, perspective-taking, and empathic concern. This study is the first of its kind to investigate whether nature connectedness is associated with indices of psychopathy, specifically, and whether these associations are further mediated by individual variation in cognitive and affective empathy—traits long considered to be deficient in psychopathy. One hundred and ninety-five participants completed an online survey whereby they were asked to self-report nature connectedness, empathy, and callous, uncaring, and unemotional traits—proxy measures for the affective component of psychopathy in community samples. Nature connectedness was positively associated with cognitive and affective empathy and inversely associated with callous and uncaring, but not unemotional, facets of personality. Furthermore, whereas cognitive empathy mediated the relationship between nature connectedness and both callous and uncaring traits, affective empathy only mediated the relationship between nature connectedness and callous traits. These findings provide evidence that broadens our understanding of the potential benefits of nature connectedness in general, and how subsequently increasing one's nature connectedness and associated ability to take the perspective of another might impact psychopathy, more specifically. As such, this study establishes the groundwork for future investigation and intervention in forensic populations.

ACS Style

Dean Fido; Miles Richardson. Empathy Mediates the Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Both Callous and Uncaring Traits. Ecopsychology 2019, 11, 130 -137.

AMA Style

Dean Fido, Miles Richardson. Empathy Mediates the Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Both Callous and Uncaring Traits. Ecopsychology. 2019; 11 (2):130-137.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dean Fido; Miles Richardson. 2019. "Empathy Mediates the Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Both Callous and Uncaring Traits." Ecopsychology 11, no. 2: 130-137.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2019 in Ecopsychology
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Our relationship with the rest of the natural world can help emotion regulation, yet the role of nature in the regulation of emotions is often overlooked. As the health benefits provided by nature are increasingly recognized, there is a need for accessible models that can explain and promote those well-being benefits. To complement existing theories based on restoration and to improve understanding of nature's role in emotion regulation, this article provides an account of the well-being benefits of nature based on affect regulation. The article considers the relationships between emotion regulation, well-being, and nature through an accessible model of affect regulation that explains research reporting physiological responses to nature. The model, and underpinning research, highlights the interconnectedness between people and the rest of nature, fitting a wider narrative about the human role in our ecosystem. Applied implications of this perspective are presented.

ACS Style

Miles Richardson. Beyond Restoration: Considering Emotion Regulation in Natural Well-Being. Ecopsychology 2019, 11, 123 -129.

AMA Style

Miles Richardson. Beyond Restoration: Considering Emotion Regulation in Natural Well-Being. Ecopsychology. 2019; 11 (2):123-129.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miles Richardson. 2019. "Beyond Restoration: Considering Emotion Regulation in Natural Well-Being." Ecopsychology 11, no. 2: 123-129.

Review
Published: 30 April 2019 in Journal of Happiness Studies
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Nature connectedness relates to an individual’s subjective sense of their relationship with the natural world. A recent meta-analysis has found that people who are more connected to nature also tend to have higher levels of self-reported hedonic well-being; however, no reviews have focussed on nature connection and eudaimonic well-being. This meta-analysis was undertaken to explore the relationship of nature connection with eudaimonic well-being and to test the hypothesis that this relationship is stronger than that of nature connection and hedonic well-being. From 20 samples (n = 4758), a small significant effect size was found for the relationship of nature connection and eudaimonic well-being (r = 0.24); there was no significant difference between this and the effect size (from 30 samples n = 11,638) for hedonic well-being (r = 0.20). Of the eudaimonic well-being subscales, personal growth had a moderate effect size which was significantly larger than the effect sizes for autonomy, purpose in life/meaning, self-acceptance, positive relations with others and environmental mastery, but not vitality. Thus, 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.

ACS Style

Alison Pritchard; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Kirsten McEwan. The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies 2019, 21, 1145 -1167.

AMA Style

Alison Pritchard, Miles Richardson, David Sheffield, Kirsten McEwan. The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies. 2019; 21 (3):1145-1167.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alison Pritchard; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Kirsten McEwan. 2019. "The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-analysis." Journal of Happiness Studies 21, no. 3: 1145-1167.

Preprint content
Published: 08 February 2019
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As part of research to develop an approach to improving nature connectedness the ‘three good things’ intervention was revised to focus on nature. Participants (n=35) noted three good things in nature, or three good things (n=33) or three factual things (n=27) each day for five days. As planned the nature intervention group showed sustained and significant increases in nature connectedness compared to the other groups. However, the three good things group did not replicate previous results in showing positive well-being outcomes, indeed at two months there was a significant increase in perceived stress and the three good things group was the only group not to show improvements in psychological health.

ACS Style

Miles Richardson; David Sheffield. The Negative Impact of a Three Good Things Intervention on Perceived Stress and Psychological Health. 2019, 1 .

AMA Style

Miles Richardson, David Sheffield. The Negative Impact of a Three Good Things Intervention on Perceived Stress and Psychological Health. . 2019; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Miles Richardson; David Sheffield. 2019. "The Negative Impact of a Three Good Things Intervention on Perceived Stress and Psychological Health." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 04 February 2019 in IEEE Access
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The ease of deployment of digital technologies and the Internet of Things, gives us the opportunity to carry out large scale social studies and to collect vast amounts of data from our cities. In this work we investigate a novel way of analysing data from social sciences studies by employing machine learning and data science techniques. This enables us to maximise the insight gained from this type of studies by fusing both objective (sensor information) and subjective data (direct input from the users). The pilot study is concerned with better understanding the interactions between citizens and urban green spaces. A field experiment was carried out in Sheffield, UK, involving 1870 participants for two different time periods (7 and 30 days). With the help of a smartphone app, both objective and subjective data was collected. Location tracking was recorded as people entered any of the publicly accessible green spaces. This was complemented by textual and photographic information that users could insert spontaneously or when prompted (when entering a green space). By employing data science and machine learning techniques, we identify the main features observed by the citizens through both text and images. Furthermore, we analyse the time spent by people in parks, as well as the top interaction areas. The study allows us to gain an overview about certain patterns and the behaviour of the citizens within their surroundings and it proves the capabilities of integrating technology into large-scale social studies.

ACS Style

Laura Erhan; Maryleen Ndubuaku; Enrico Ferrara; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Fiona J. Ferguson; Paul Brindley; Antonio Liotta. Analyzing Objective and Subjective Data in Social Sciences: Implications for Smart Cities. IEEE Access 2019, 7, 19890 -19906.

AMA Style

Laura Erhan, Maryleen Ndubuaku, Enrico Ferrara, Miles Richardson, David Sheffield, Fiona J. Ferguson, Paul Brindley, Antonio Liotta. Analyzing Objective and Subjective Data in Social Sciences: Implications for Smart Cities. IEEE Access. 2019; 7 (99):19890-19906.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Erhan; Maryleen Ndubuaku; Enrico Ferrara; Miles Richardson; David Sheffield; Fiona J. Ferguson; Paul Brindley; Antonio Liotta. 2019. "Analyzing Objective and Subjective Data in Social Sciences: Implications for Smart Cities." IEEE Access 7, no. 99: 19890-19906.