Diminished Public Self-Awareness in Nature Contributes to the Positive Effects of Contact with Nature on Connectedness to Nature

Abstract

A number of studies have demonstrated that contact with nature increases connectedness to nature. The precise psychological process through which this effect occurs, however, has been relatively understudied. We test the role of self-awareness as a mediator of the relationship between contact with nature and connectedness. Participants went on a walk either in nature or in an urban environment, and provided in situ recordings of their thoughts - which were analyzed for self-focused and nature-focused language use - and then completed a measure of explicit connectedness to nature and self-awareness. Results revealed a significant indirect pathway between contact with nature and connectedness through decreased public self-awareness. Thus, results emphasize the importance of considering the effects of contact with nature on self-related processes.