The effect of connectedness to nature on behavioral stages based on the transtheoretical model

Abstract

This study applied a transtheoretical model to investigate how the degree of connectedness-to-nature influences individuals’ natural behaviors. It presents an innovative theoretical perspective on behavioral change by incorporating environmental factors (connectedness-to-nature) into the model, moving beyond the sole focus on individual health behaviors or psychological processes. Data for the study were collected through a public survey conducted via the “Wenjuanxing” online platform from 273 participants from various provinces across China, who completed the questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. The results indicated that, after categorizing the respondents into five behavioral stages, (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance) the degree of connectedness-to-nature significantly and positively predicted individuals’ stages of natural behavior. The study further revealed significant differences in connectedness-to-nature scores between the pre-action and action stages. Additionally, individuals in the action and maintenance stages exhibited significantly different scores compared to those in the pre-intention, intention, and pre-action stages. As individuals progressed through the stages of natural behavior, their overall connectedness-to-nature scores increased significantly. This study employed a transtheoretical model to differentiate among stages of natural behavior, providing empirical evidence of the influence of connectedness-to-nature on changes in natural behavior.