Research suggests that personality traits and individual differences can influence an individual’s level of connection with nature. Some studies have found that people who score high on personality traits such as openness to experience, conscientiousness, and emotional stability tend to have a stronger connection with nature.

Openness to experience is related to curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas and experiences. People who score high in openness tend to have a more positive attitude towards nature and are more likely to engage in nature-related activities.

Conscientiousness is associated with being responsible, reliable, and organized. People who score high in conscientiousness tend to have a greater appreciation for the natural world and may be more likely to take actions to protect the environment.

Emotional stability, also known as neuroticism, is related to the ability to regulate emotions and cope with stress. People who score low in emotional stability tend to have a greater appreciation for nature as a source of comfort and stress relief.

Other individual differences that have been found to influence nature connection include gender, age, and cultural background. For example, studies have found that women tend to have a stronger connection with nature than men, and that older adults tend to have a greater appreciation for nature than younger adults. Cultural background can also influence an individual’s connection with nature, as different cultures have different values and beliefs about the natural world.

Here are some more details related to this topic.

1. Wilson, M., & Sengupta, N. K. (2019). Personality and Nature: Predispositions for Environmental Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2715. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02715

This study examined the relationship between personality traits and pro-environmental behavior. The authors found that certain personality traits, such as openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, were positively related to environmental behavior.

2. Mayer, F. S., & Frantz, C. M. (2004). The connectedness to nature scale: A measure of individuals’ feeling in community with nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 24(4), 503-515. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2004.10.001

This study developed and validated the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS), which measures an individual’s emotional connection to nature. The authors found that individual differences in connectedness to nature were related to personality traits, such as openness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability.

3. Schultz, P. W. (2001). The structure of environmental concern: Concern for self, other people, and the biosphere. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 21(4), 327-339. doi: 10.1006/jevp.2001.0227

This study explored the structure of environmental concern and found that it was composed of three factors: concern for self, concern for others, and concern for the biosphere. The authors also found that individual differences in these factors were related to personality traits, such as agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness.

4. Tam, K. P. (2013). Concepts and measures related to connection to nature: Similarities and differences. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34, 64-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.01.004

This study reviewed the literature on measures of connection to nature and found that individual differences in this construct were related to personality traits, such as openness, extraversion, and emotional stability.

And here some more additional details on how individual differences can influence an individual’s connection with nature:

Gender: Research has found that women tend to have a stronger connection with nature than men. This gender difference may be due to socialization and cultural expectations, as women are often socialized to be more nurturing and attuned to the natural world.

Age: Studies have found that older adults tend to have a greater appreciation for nature than younger adults. This may be due to life experiences, such as spending more time outdoors, and a greater awareness of environmental issues.

Cultural background: Different cultures have different values and beliefs about the natural world, which can influence an individual’s connection with nature. For example, some cultures view nature as sacred, while others may view it as a resource to be used for human benefit.

Childhood experiences: Childhood experiences, such as spending time outdoors and having positive interactions with nature, can influence an individual’s connection with nature later in life.

Psychological factors: Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can also influence an individual’s connection with nature. Research has found that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on mental health, so individuals who are experiencing psychological distress may be more likely to seek out nature as a source of stress relief.

Personality traits: As mentioned in the previous paragraph, personality traits such as openness to experience, conscientiousness, and emotional stability can influence an individual’s connection with nature.

Our Shinrin Yoku Guide Training encourages you to consider individual difference to meet participants where they are currently. Just a simple fact of recognising that individual difference exists allows us for behaviours and attitudes of no assumptions and non-judgment.