Conference Agenda

Natural environments are increasingly recognised as health resources that support well-being and encourage healthy lifestyles including physical activity. However, engagement with nature varies substantially between individuals. Identifying behavioural profiles of nature engagement may help develop targeted health promotion strategies that strengthen resilience and support health-enhancing behaviours.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 965 adults aged 18–76 years (M = 42.83, SD = 13.13; 91% female). Attitude–behaviour patterns across mindful, sensory and artistic, and body-related domains of nature engagement were assessed using the Nature-Based Self-Care Questionnaire. Measures of psychological resilience, perceived stress, life satisfaction and self-rated health were collected. Cluster analysis using standardised engagement variables identified behavioural profiles. Differences between clusters were examined using Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Four behavioural profiles emerged: Aligned High Nature Engagement (n = 201, 20.8%), Aligned Low Nature Engagement (n = 280, 29.0%), Moderate Attitude and Behaviour (n = 312, 32.3%), and High Attitude–Low Behaviour (n = 172, 17.8%). Significant differences were observed in psychological resilience (H(3) = 97.80, p < .001), self-rated health (H(3) = 52.60, p < .001), and life satisfaction (H(3) = 84.56, p < .001). Participants with high alignment between attitudes and behaviours reported the most favourable outcomes. Stress indicators also differed significantly across profiles.

Engagement with natural environments appears to be a modifiable health behaviour associated with stronger resilience and better perceived health. Health promotion initiatives and urban planning policies that increase accessible opportunities for everyday interaction with green environments may strengthen population well-being and support preventive public health strategies.