My research focuses on individual differences in subjective connectedness with nature ("nature relatedness") and the links with health, well-being/happiness, and environmentally sustainable behaviour. Some of the research questions I am investigating are:

(1) How does nature contact and exposure to nature images influence human psychological and physical health (e.g., well-being, happiness, stress and coping)?

(2) What are the consequences of disconnection from nature for environmental decision-making and sustainable behaviours?

(3) What are the personality correlates (e.g., materialism, Big 5, self-concept/identity) of nature relatedness and how do life experiences shape it (e.g., growing up in urban/rural environments)?

(4) How malleable is connectedness and what interventions influence nature relatedness (e.g., environmental education, nature experiences, virtual immersion)?

Primary Interests:

Applied Social Psychology
Attitudes and Beliefs
Emotion, Mood, Affect
Health Psychology
Life Satisfaction, Well-Being
Motivation, Goal Setting
Personality, Individual Differences
Persuasion, Social Influence
Self and Identity

Applied Social Psychology
Attitudes and Beliefs
Emotion, Mood, Affect
Health Psychology
Life Satisfaction, Well-Being

Motivation, Goal Setting
Personality, Individual Differences
Persuasion, Social Influence
Self and Identity

Journal Articles:

Nisbet, E. K., & Gick, M. L. (2008). Can health psychology help the planet? Applying theory and models of health behaviour to environmental actions. Canadian Psychology, 49, 296-303.
Nisbet, E. K., & Zelenski, J. M. (2011). Underestimating nearby nature: Affective forecasting errors obscure the happy path to sustainability. Psychological Science, 22(9), 1101-1106.
Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2011). Happiness is in our nature: Exploring nature relatedness as a contributor to subjective well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 12, 303-322.

Linked file: The Nature Relatedness Scale
Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2009). The Nature Relatedness Scale: Linking individuals’ connection with nature to environmental concern and behavior. Environment and Behavior, 41, 715-740.

Linked file: The Nature Relatedness Scale
Zelenski, J. M., & Nisbet, E. K. (2012). Happiness and feeling connected: The distinct role of nature relatedness. Environment and Behavior.

Linked file: The Nature Relatedness Scale

Other Publications:

Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2007). The human nature connection: Sustainable development policy implications. In G. B. Doern (Ed.), Innovation, Science, Environment: Canadian Policies and Performance, 2007-2008 (pp. 200-218). Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press.

Courses Taught:

Environmental Psychology
Health Psychology
Motivation and Emotion
Personality Psychology

Environmental Psychology
Health Psychology

Motivation and Emotion
Personality Psychology

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The Nature Relatedness Scale
Linked publication: Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2011). Happiness is in our nature: Exploring nature relatedness as a contributor to subjective well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 12, 303-322.

Linked publication: Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Murphy, S. A. (2009). The Nature Relatedness Scale: Linking individuals’ connection with nature to environmental concern and behavior. Environment and Behavior, 41, 715-740.

Linked publication: Zelenski, J. M., & Nisbet, E. K. (2012). Happiness and feeling connected: The distinct role of nature relatedness. Environment and Behavior.

Elizabeth K. Nisbet
Department of Psychology
DNA Building
Trent University
Peterborough, ON K9J7B8
Canada

Phone: (705) 748-1011, extension 7855