Nature Relatedness Scale
Also known as: NRS, Nature Connection Scale
The NRS is a 21-item self-report instrument measuring individuals' psychological connection to and identification with the natural world. Developed by Nisbet, Zelenski, and Murphy in 2009, it captures three dimensions of nature relatedness: self-identification with nature, environmental concern and responsibility, and immersion in natural experiences.
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When to use it
The NRS is appropriate for assessing individual differences in nature connection in community, environmental education, and health promotion contexts. Use it to characterize populations' baseline nature relatedness, measure impact of nature-based interventions (park visitation, gardening, environmental education) on connection and well-being, identify individuals who may benefit from increased nature exposure for mental health, and research relationships between nature connection and outcomes (life satisfaction, pro-environmental behavior, stress reduction).
Strengths & limitations
- Comprehensive measurement of multidimensional nature connection—identification, perspective, and experience rather than single-item or narrow measures.
- Well-validated with good internal consistency and convergent validity with environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior.
- Brief administration time (5–8 minutes) facilitates use in large surveys and routine assessment.
- Supported by substantial research linking nature relatedness to mental health, life satisfaction, and environmental stewardship.
- Cross-cultural variation: nature relatedness may be conceptualized differently across cultures with different relationships to land, spirituality, and environmental traditions. Validation needed in diverse cultural contexts.
- Urban-rural differences: individuals in urban environments with limited nature access may score lower partly due to limited opportunity rather than dispositional preference; interpretation should account for environmental context.
- Causality unclear: NRS correlates with well-being and environmental behavior, but directionality is uncertain—does nature connection cause well-being, or do healthier individuals seek nature? Longitudinal and experimental evidence needed.
- Self-report bias: responses may reflect social desirability (environmentalism viewed favorably) rather than genuine connection or behavior.
Frequently asked
If my NRS score is low, can I increase it, and will that improve my mental health?
Yes, research suggests nature connection can be developed through intentional exposure—regular park visits, gardening, outdoor activities, or nature-focused education. As connection deepens, related benefits (stress reduction, life satisfaction, well-being) often follow. Start with activities aligned to your interests: hiking, gardening, bird-watching, or simply quiet time outdoors.
How does NRS relate to living in a natural or urban area?
NRS measures psychological connection, which is somewhat independent of residential environment—some urban dwellers report high nature relatedness through intentional nature seeking, while some rural residents may have lower scores if they don't engage actively with nature. That said, access to quality natural spaces supports nature connection; urban greenness correlates with higher NRS.
Is high nature relatedness the same as environmentalism or activism?
Nature relatedness is a psychological attitude; environmentalism and activism are behaviors. High NRS predicts environmental concern, but actual activism depends on knowledge, opportunity, efficacy beliefs, and social factors. Someone may feel deep connection to nature without active environmental advocacy.
Can NRS be used in clinical settings to guide nature-based therapy?
Yes. Low NRS may indicate an individual who would benefit from guided nature exposure as part of mental health treatment (green therapy, nature walks, outdoor mindfulness). Higher NRS individuals often already derive benefits from nature; the NRS helps identify those who may underestimate nature's value and need encouragement to engage.
Sources
- 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. DOI: 10.1177/0013916508318748 ↗
- White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M. H. (2019). Would you be happier living in a greener urban area? A fixed-effects analysis of panel data. Ecological Economics, 121, 199–204. link ↗
- Kuo, M. (2015). How might contact with nature promote mental health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1093. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093 ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Nature Relatedness Scale. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/integrative-medicine/nature-relatedness-scale
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