The power of a biocentric view: Ecological worldviews as a key driver of subjective well-being for residents near nature reserves

Enhancing subjective well-being (SWB) is central to sustainable development, yet the psychological mechanisms linking ecological worldviews to SWB in conservation contexts remain underexplored. This study investigates how the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP)—a measure of biocentric worldview—shapes residents’ perceptions of ecosystem services (ES) and influences SWB in Dailing Town, a community adjacent to Liangshui National Nature Reserve in China. Using a mixed-methods approach combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) with survey data from 169 residents, we find that: (1) SWB is highest in the health dimension but lowest in social relations, with specific deficits in transportation, water quality, and employment conditions; (2) NEP is the strongest predictor of SWB, exerting both direct effects and indirect effects mediated by enhanced ES perceptions; (3) ES preferences are segmented by socioeconomic and demographic factors: older, land-dependent residents prioritize cultural services (e.g., recreation, aesthetics), whereas younger, non-land-based residents value tangible provisioning and regulating services. These findings underscore the critical role of ecological worldviews in shaping well-being and highlight the need for targeted policies that integrate ecological education, social infrastructure, and differentiated livelihood strategies to foster synergistic human-nature outcomes in protected area communities. • NEP is the strongest predictor of SWB, with both direct and indirect effects mediated by ecosystem service perceptions. • Health is the most satisfying SWB dimension, while social relations show the greatest deficit. • ES perceptions are socioeconomically segmented: older residents value cultural services; younger residents prioritize tangible services. • Ecological education and tailored livelihood strategies are recommended to enhance both well-being and conservation outcomes.