Environmental Music Enhances Nature Affinity via Nature Connectedness: Preliminary Evidence from Chinese Students

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of the types and forms of environmental music, as well as non-environmental music, on the nature affinity among young students in China. Moreover, we explore the role of nature connectedness as a mediator in this relationship, aiming to determine whether environmental music can effectively promote ecological conservation among Chinese students. In the present study, a total of 353 participants were randomly assigned to one of the four groups, with each group listening to a different combination of music type and music form. Meanwhile, questionnaires were used in all four groups to measure nature affinity and nature connectedness. The results show that: (1) Environmental music has a positive impact on both nature affinity and nature connectedness among adolescent students in China; (2) Nature connectedness acts as a mediator between environmental music and nature affinity in Chinese adolescent students; (3) There is a significant interaction effect between the type and form of music on both nature affinity and nature connectedness. These findings provide preliminary empirical evidence on the influence of environmental music on nature connectedness in the Chinese cultural context. They shed light on the psychological mechanism involved and offer guidance on creating more environmentally friendly music to enhance individuals’ pro-environmental attitudes. This, in turn, can promote care for the natural environment in the future.