Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale
IntroductionEngaging with nature has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on well-being. Traditionally, assessments of nature exposure focus on estimating green space exposure and outdoor time. However, the Nature Exposure Scale (NES) offers a unique approach by evaluating the quality of...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1290066/full |
| _version_ | 1797279287164796928 |
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| author | Ana Picanço Ana Moura Arroz Noelline Tsafack Noelline Tsafack Ana Fuentes Sánchez Enésima Pereira Marta De Benedictis Isabel R. Amorim Maria da Luz Melo Rosalina Gabriel |
| author_facet | Ana Picanço Ana Moura Arroz Noelline Tsafack Noelline Tsafack Ana Fuentes Sánchez Enésima Pereira Marta De Benedictis Isabel R. Amorim Maria da Luz Melo Rosalina Gabriel |
| author_sort | Ana Picanço |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionEngaging with nature has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on well-being. Traditionally, assessments of nature exposure focus on estimating green space exposure and outdoor time. However, the Nature Exposure Scale (NES) offers a unique approach by evaluating the quality of nature experiences, encompassing both deliberate and spontaneous encounters.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the NES in the context of Portugal. Exploratory Factor Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to examine the underlying structure of the scale. Additionally, reliability assessments, along with tests of convergent and divergent validity, were conducted. Data were collected from a sample of 558 adults and 241 adolescents between 2016 and 2018.ResultsThe findings revealed strong internal consistency of the NES, supported by acceptable correlation values and robust factor loadings within a unidimensional model. The scale effectively predicted variations in nature exposure across diverse professional activities.DiscussionIn summary, the 4-item NES emerged as a reliable tool for assessing nature exposure in various settings, effectively bridging a gap in the Portuguese context. The scale demonstrated potential for cross-cultural research and was particularly adept at predicting nature exposure in different professional contexts. The results suggest that the NES can enhance our understanding of the impact of nature on well-being in diverse cultural settings.ConclusionThe study underscores the reliability of the NES in assessing nature exposure in Portugal, paving the way for further exploration in Portuguese-speaking regions. The scale holds promise for advancing research on the relationship between nature and well-being, contributing valuable insights across different cultural contexts. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T16:22:08Z |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T16:22:08Z |
| publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj.art-dc1b2a82fb1644b7823bbfae640cbae02024-03-04T04:52:06ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782024-03-011510.3389/fpsyg.2024.12900661290066Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scaleAna Picanço0Ana Moura Arroz1Noelline Tsafack2Noelline Tsafack3Ana Fuentes Sánchez4Enésima Pereira5Marta De Benedictis6Isabel R. Amorim7Maria da Luz Melo8Rosalina Gabriel9cE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalcE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalcE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalAvignon Université, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Avignon, FrancecE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalcE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalcE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalcE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalNúcleo de Investigação e Desenvolvimento em e-Saúde, Escola Superior de Saúde da UAc, Azores, PortugalcE3c/GBA–Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute/Azorean Biodiversity Group and University of the Azores, Azores, PortugalIntroductionEngaging with nature has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on well-being. Traditionally, assessments of nature exposure focus on estimating green space exposure and outdoor time. However, the Nature Exposure Scale (NES) offers a unique approach by evaluating the quality of nature experiences, encompassing both deliberate and spontaneous encounters.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the NES in the context of Portugal. Exploratory Factor Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to examine the underlying structure of the scale. Additionally, reliability assessments, along with tests of convergent and divergent validity, were conducted. Data were collected from a sample of 558 adults and 241 adolescents between 2016 and 2018.ResultsThe findings revealed strong internal consistency of the NES, supported by acceptable correlation values and robust factor loadings within a unidimensional model. The scale effectively predicted variations in nature exposure across diverse professional activities.DiscussionIn summary, the 4-item NES emerged as a reliable tool for assessing nature exposure in various settings, effectively bridging a gap in the Portuguese context. The scale demonstrated potential for cross-cultural research and was particularly adept at predicting nature exposure in different professional contexts. The results suggest that the NES can enhance our understanding of the impact of nature on well-being in diverse cultural settings.ConclusionThe study underscores the reliability of the NES in assessing nature exposure in Portugal, paving the way for further exploration in Portuguese-speaking regions. The scale holds promise for advancing research on the relationship between nature and well-being, contributing valuable insights across different cultural contexts.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1290066/fullnature exposurepsychometric toolreliabilityvalidityconnectedness to naturesubjective well-being |
| spellingShingle | Ana Picanço Ana Moura Arroz Noelline Tsafack Noelline Tsafack Ana Fuentes Sánchez Enésima Pereira Marta De Benedictis Isabel R. Amorim Maria da Luz Melo Rosalina Gabriel Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale Frontiers in Psychology nature exposure psychometric tool reliability validity connectedness to nature subjective well-being |
| title | Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale |
| title_full | Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale |
| title_fullStr | Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale |
| title_short | Assessing nature exposure: a study on the reliability and validity of a Portuguese version of the nature exposure scale |
| title_sort | assessing nature exposure a study on the reliability and validity of a portuguese version of the nature exposure scale |
| topic | nature exposure psychometric tool reliability validity connectedness to nature subjective well-being |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1290066/full |
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