Nature connectedness boosts the bright side of emotion regulation, which in turn reduces stress

• Published in: Journal of environmental psychology 2021-08, Vol.76, p.101642, Article 101642
• Main Authors: Bakir-Demir, Tugce, Berument, Sibel Kazak, Akkaya, Sevinc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive emotion regulation strategies; Hair cortisol concentration (HCC); Nature connectedness; Negative reactivity; Perceived stress
• ISSN: 0272-4944; 1522-9610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101642

This study investigated the mediator role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between nature connectedness and stress. The stress levels of participants were measured using two different methods: a) perceived stress and b) cumulative cortisol levels, which were analyzed by using the 3 cm segment of hair closest to the scalp. One hundred twenty-three female college students aged between 18 and 25 years old were included in this study. After controlling the influence of negative reactivity as a temperamental characteristic, nature connectedness predicted adaptive emotion regulation strategies of emerging adults, which in turn predicted a decline in their perceived stress. However, nature connectedness was not linked to non-adaptive regulation strategies and hair cortisol concentration (HCC). These findings highlight the importance of investigating different features of stress and suggest the restorative power of nature connectedness, which particularly bolsters positive outcomes, such as adaptive regulation skills. •The mediator role of cognitive emotion regulation in the link between nature connectedness and stress was investigated.•Both psychological and physiological stress measures were included.•Participants who connect more to nature have better emotion regulation, and, in turn, have lower levels of perceived stress.•Nature connectedness was neither directly nor indirectly associated with participants' cortisol concentrations.•Hair cortisol concentrations were lower among individuals who regulate their emotions in a less adaptive manner.