Exploring the interplay between adult sustainability attitudes, psychological wellness, affinity for nature, and interest in scientific topics
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the psychological concept of nature attachment and its relationship with pro-environmental views and psychological wellbeing. Understanding the general public's involvement in scientific matters is also crucial for comprehending scientific research. The researchers set out to chart the connections between adults' affinity to environment, their interest in science, their views on sustainability, and their mental health. In particular, the research set out to investigate the interplay between these factors by testing theory-based hypotheses using structural equation modelling (SEM). A stratified population was created using the probability corresponding to size sampling technique. The population was divided into strata based on relevant characteristics, and systematic sampling was employed within each stratum, taking into account its size relative to the overall population. The study included 436 participants, ranging in age from 19 to 75, who were citizens. The findings of the study revealed a direct relationship between adult nature attachment and adult scientific curiosity. Furthermore, adult scientific curiosity was found to have a direct relationship with sustainability attitudes and psychological wellbeing. Additionally, the analysis indicated that participant attitudes towards sustainability were somewhat and indirectly mediated by adult interest in scientific subjects. The study provided valuable insights into the connections between adults' interest in scientific concerns, connection to nature, sustainability attitudes, and psychological wellbeing. The results demonstrated that individuals who exhibited higher levels of nature attachment and scientific curiosity were more likely to hold favourable sustainable perspectives and report better mental health. The present research contributes to the corpus of expertise by outlining a paradigm that emphasises how scientific involvement affects the views of individuals and welfare.
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401697160