Nature Relatedness Scale

What it measures

Measures the subjective sense of connection and identification with the natural world across three facets. NR-Self captures how central nature is to one's identity (seeing oneself as part of nature). NR-Perspective captures awareness of and concern for nature and other species. NR-Experience captures preferences for and comfort in natural environments. In tourism research, nature relatedness predicts ecotourism attitudes, sustainable travel choices, willingness to pay for conservation, and wellbeing outcomes from nature-based tourism. NR-Self is the strongest predictor of pro-environmental behaviour — integrating nature into self-concept produces more durable conservation commitments than general environmental concern.

Response format

Likert (1–5, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

Scale items

NR-Self — nature as part of identity (Likert 1–5, strongly disagree to strongly agree)

• My relationship to nature is an important part of who I am.
• I feel very connected to all living things and the Earth.
• I think of myself as part of nature, not separate from it.
• I take notice of wildlife wherever I am.
• I feel that I belong to the Earth as much as it belongs to me.
• I feel a kinship with animals and plants.
• I am not separate from nature, but a part of it.

NR-Perspective — concern for and awareness of nature

• I am very aware of environmental issues.
• I feel I am often in the minority when it comes to caring about nature.
• I think a lot about the suffering of animals.
• I take notice of the natural world around me.
• I often look up at the sky and appreciate its beauty.
• I notice when plants are not doing well and I want to help them.
• My connection to nature and the environment is a part of my spirituality.

NR-Experience — comfort and preference for natural settings

• I enjoy being outdoors, even in unpleasant weather.
• I feel comfortable and at ease in natural settings.
• I enjoy digging in the earth and getting my hands dirty.
• I like to get out into nature regularly.
• I enjoy the challenge of hiking in the wilderness.
• I think that I could comfortably live without electricity or modern conveniences.
• I feel that I connect with nature more than most people I know.

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Three subscale scores. A 6-item short form (NR-6: 2 items per subscale) is available for time-constrained surveys. Freely available from Elizabeth Nisbet. Nature relatedness predicts life satisfaction and positive affect independently of time spent outdoors. Widely used in research on nature-based therapy, outdoor recreation, and wilderness tourism.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Nisbet, E.K., Zelenski, J.M., & Murphy, S.A. (2009). The nature relatedness scale: Linking individuals' connection with nature to environmental concern and behavior. Environment and Behavior, 41(5), 715–740.

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