Mindfulness and connectedness to nature: A meta-analytic investigation

Abstract

The traits of mindfulness and connectedness to nature may have a reciprocal relationship. Mindfulness, which consists of non-evaluative awareness, may allow individuals to feel more connected to nature, and connection to natural environments may help foster mindfulness. A number of studies have investigated the association between trait mindfulness and connectedness with nature. The current meta-analytic investigation consolidated the findings from these studies. Across 12 samples, which included 2435 individuals, there was a significant relationship between mindfulness and connectedness to nature, with a weighted effect size of r = 0.25. Moderator analyses indicated that studies with older participants and studies with community participants rather than students found significantly stronger associations between mindfulness and connectedness to nature. Associations between mindfulness and connectedness with nature varied significantly depending on measures of mindfulness used. These meta-analytic findings provide a foundation for (1) future intervention programs aimed at drawing on nature exposure to increase mindfulness and (2) intervention programs intended to enhance connectedness to nature through mindfulness.