Investigating the Relationship Between Nature-Relatedness and Mental Health in Young Vietnamese Adults: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Nature-based interventions for youth’s mental health are becoming common. More empirical ev­idence is needed to support policymaking in schools and communities due to the limited studies on young individuals. This study aims to test a structural model to examine the role of nature-relatedness on subjective positive well-being (life satisfaction) and mental disorders (depression, stress and anx­iety) in Vietnamese young adults. A set of questionnaires was completed by 515 university students (Mage = 19.30, SD = 0.69). The used measurements were the Nature Relatedness Scale, the Depres­sion, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Life Satisfaction Scale. The Vietnamese version of the Nature Relatedness Scale was validated as a previous step. The structural model demonstrated fit (χ²/df = 1.23, CFI = .97, RMSEA = .07, SRMR = .03). According to path analysis results, NR-Self was associated with greater life satisfaction with lower stress and lower depression. However, the NR-Perspective was associated with lower life satisfaction, and higher levels of stress, anxiety and de­pression. NR-Experience also unexpectedly significantly predicted depressive symptoms. Results were interpreted in the light of the related literature; acknowledgement of limitations and future re­search directions were also discussed.