Published in Environment and Behavior, the study examines how experiences in nature influence people’s sense of meaning in life. Across five studies involving more than 1,800 participants, the researchers investigated if the benefits of nature stem from specific components of meaning, like purpose, coherence, mattering or “experiential appreciation,” the ability to notice and value the present moment.
The findings consistently pointed to experiential appreciation as the key component of nature’s effect on an individual’s sense of meaning. People who felt more connected to nature reported a greater appreciation for everyday experiences, which in turn gave them a stronger sense that life is meaningful.
The first three studies measured participants’ connection to nature through surveys, which revealed a small but consistent link between meaningfulness and nature. The other two studies examined the psychological effects of direct and indirect exposure to natural environments. To test direct exposure, one compared participants who completed surveys in the Texas A&M Gardens with those in a nearby parking lot. To test indirect exposure, they asked participants to watch videos of either natural or built environments and imagine themselves in those settings while responding.
Exposure to nature consistently increased feelings associated with meaning in life. The research suggests that nature may foster meaning not only through long-term goals or beliefs, but also by encouraging people to be present in the moment and engage deeply with their surroundings. The team found preliminary evidence that greater feelings of meaning may be associated with stronger intentions to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors, highlighting a potential connection between personal well-being and environmental stewardship.