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People’s desire to be in nature and how they experience it are partially heritable

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Listed:
  • Chia-chen Chang
  • Daniel T C Cox
  • Qiao Fan
  • Thi Phuong Le Nghiem
  • Claudia L Y Tan
  • Rachel Rui Ying Oh
  • Brenda B Lin
  • Danielle F Shanahan
  • Richard A Fuller
  • Kevin J Gaston
  • L Roman Carrasco

Abstract

Nature experiences have been linked to mental and physical health. Despite the importance of understanding what determines individual variation in nature experience, the role of genes has been overlooked. Here, using a twin design (TwinsUK, number of individuals = 2,306), we investigate the genetic and environmental contributions to a person’s nature orientation, opportunity (living in less urbanized areas), and different dimensions of nature experience (frequency and duration of public nature space visits and frequency and duration of garden visits). We estimate moderate heritability of nature orientation (46%) and nature experiences (48% for frequency of public nature space visits, 34% for frequency of garden visits, and 38% for duration of garden visits) and show their genetic components partially overlap. We also find that the environmental influences on nature experiences are moderated by the level of urbanization of the home district. Our study demonstrates genetic contributions to individuals’ nature experiences, opening a new dimension for the study of human–nature interactions.Nature experiences have been linked to mental and physical health. This twin study reveals genetic influences on an individual’s orientation towards nature and nature experiences, opening a new dimension to understanding human-nature interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Chia-chen Chang & Daniel T C Cox & Qiao Fan & Thi Phuong Le Nghiem & Claudia L Y Tan & Rachel Rui Ying Oh & Brenda B Lin & Danielle F Shanahan & Richard A Fuller & Kevin J Gaston & L Roman Carrasco, 2022. "People’s desire to be in nature and how they experience it are partially heritable," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pbio00:3001500
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001500
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