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

Cat Tuong Phuoc Nguyen; Tuan-Vinh Nguyen; Minh-Thong That Ton; Quynh-Anh Ngoc Nguyen

doi:10.18290/rpsych2025.0006

Published : 2025-10-16

No. Online First

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

Cat Tuong Phuoc Nguyen

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4493-9509

Tuan-Vinh Nguyen

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0783-8251

Minh-Thong That Ton

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2293-988X

Quynh-Anh Ngoc Nguyen

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3279-301X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rpsych2025.0006

Abstract

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 (M_age = 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.

Keywords:

life satisfaction, mental health, nature-relatedness, students, youth

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