Association Between Connection to Nature and Children’s Happiness in China: Children’s Negative Affectivity and Gender as Moderators

Wei Cui and Zhihui Yang ()
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Wei Cui: Beijing Forestry University
Zhihui Yang: Beijing Forestry University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2022, vol. 23, issue 1, No 5, 47-63

Abstract: Abstract Connection to nature is positively associated with happiness among adults. However, whether and how connection to nature is associated with children’s happiness remains unknown. The current study aims to examine the association between connection to nature and children’s happiness and the moderating effect of temperament (negative affectivity and effortful control) on this association. Four hundred fifty-eight children aged 7–12 years and one of their parents participated in this study. Our study found that connection to nature is positively associated with both children’s self- and parent-reported happiness. Children’s negative affectivity moderates the association between connection to nature and self-reported happiness, and the moderating effect differs by gender. Specifically, the negative affectivity of girls strengthens the association between connection to nature and happiness. These findings highlight the positive impact of connection to nature on children’s happiness and the importance of considering children’s negative affectivity and gender when exploring the association between connection to nature and positive development.

Keywords: Happiness; Connection to nature; Negative affectivity; Children (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00386-1

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