Mindful living for a sustainable future: Correlates of mindful awareness and connectedness to nature
Lynette da Silva Fortes, Sibyl Fernandes, Michelle Fernandes
International Journal of Psychology Research October 1, 2026 DOI: 10.33545/26648903.2026.v8.i10a.255 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational survey (cross-sectional) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 133 |
| Population | Respondents of varied backgrounds and locations in Goa, India, varying in age and gender |
| Measures | Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Connectedness to Nature Scale |
| Key findings | Mindfulness and connectedness to nature showed a small, non-significant positive correlation, and no gender differences appeared on either variable. Older respondents reported significantly higher mindfulness scores than younger respondents, while connectedness to nature did not differ significantly by age. The authors suggest the two constructs may function relatively independently in this sample and that mindfulness may develop with age and life experience. |
Abstract
Sustenance and pro-environmental behaviour have been the buzzwords of the century, garnering considerable interest and triggering a host of environmental behaviours among people. Environmental consciousness has gained momentum among both the younger generation and the older population, with youngsters, teenagers, and adults spearheading various campaigns towards environmentally sustainable behaviour. Numerous studies maintain that mindful individuals are more conscious of their immediate surroundings and are therefore more adept at engaging in pro-environmental behaviour. Mindfulness not only triggers behaviours that increase awareness of our immediate surroundings, but also prompts greater conscientiousness, compassion, and engagement in behaviours that are eco-friendly and prosocial, thereby further augmenting the mindfulness-nature connection. The current study sought to explore the relationship between mindfulness and connectedness to nature among respondents varying in age and gender. A total of 133 respondents from varied backgrounds and locations in Goa, India, participated in the study. Composite scores were computed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Connectedness to Nature Scale. Results indicated a small, non-significant positive correlation between mindfulness and connectedness to nature. No significant gender differences emerged on either variable. A significant age-related difference emerged for mindfulness, with older respondents reporting higher scores than younger respondents, while connectedness to nature did not differ significantly across age groups. The findings suggest that dispositional mindfulness and connectedness to nature may function as relatively independent constructs in this sample, and that mindfulness may develop with age and life experience.