Measuring nature connectedness in children and adults: Validation of the Chinese Nature Connection Index

Abstract Background Nature connectedness reflects an individual's perceived relationship with the natural world, which has been linked to various psychological and environmental benefits. Despite the proliferation of over 30 validated scales of nature connectedness, few have been validated in both adult and child populations. Aim Addressing the gap, this study validates the Chinese version of the Nature Connection Index (NCI) using child and adult samples. Methods Specifically, the study examined the cross‐cultural validity and measurement invariance of the measure across age groups, utilizing a sample of 2127 parent–child dyads from Hong Kong. Results We observed configural, metric and scalar invariance of the measure, affirming its stability across both demographics. Furthermore, construct validity was established through significant correlations with another established measure of nature connectedness and variables that have been known to be associated with nature connectedness, including nature experience, screen time, psychological well‐being, and pro‐environmental values and behaviours. Network analysis further highlighted the NCI's centrality in a psychological network, underscoring its relevance in understanding the interplay between nature connectedness and related variables. Conclusion These findings contribute to the study of nature connectedness measurement, demonstrating the NCI's utility in cross‐cultural, intergenerational and developmental research contexts.