From natural beauty appreciation to green lifestyle: the roles of environmental inspiration, green self-identity, and nature connectedness

Abstract

Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, this study examines how natural beauty appreciation is associated with green lifestyle through environmental inspiration and green self-identity, while considering nature connectedness as a boundary condition. Using a four-wave time-lagged survey design, data were collected from 478 adults who had regular exposure to natural environments. The findings show that natural beauty appreciation is positively associated with green lifestyle. Environmental inspiration and green self-identity each show significant indirect associations in this relationship, and the temporally ordered pattern is also consistent with a sequential indirect pathway. Specifically, natural beauty appreciation at T1 was associated with greater environmental inspiration at T2, which was subsequently associated with stronger green self-identity at T3 and a greener lifestyle at T4. Nature connectedness further moderates the association between natural beauty appreciation and green lifestyle, such that the positive association is stronger at higher levels of nature connectedness. By organizing aesthetic valuation, motivational activation, self-integration, and relational receptivity within an SDT-informed framework, this study extends research on nature-related experience and sustainable living. It also provides a more integrated account of the temporally ordered psychological associations linking appreciation of natural beauty with environmentally responsible everyday practices and a greener way of living. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.