The effects of mindfulness training on nature connectedness through states of decentering and self-transcendence: A serial mediation analysis

Abstract

This study investigated whether mindfulness meditation (MM) enhances nature connectedness (NC) and whether changes in decentering and self-transcendence mediate this effect. Participants (n = 169) were randomly assigned to MM or an active listening control across six online sessions. Nature connectedness was measured using the Connectedness to Nature Scale; while decentering and self-transcendence were assessed via the Metacognitive Processes of Decentering and Nondual Awareness Dimensional state scales, respectively. Mindfulness meditation did not directly increase NC. However, MM significantly increased decentering and self-transcendence over time. Serial mediation revealed that these changes fully mediated MM’s effect on NC. Additional analyses showed that trait mindfulness did not moderate MM’s impact on NC, though baseline self-transcendence predicted initial NC levels. These findings suggest MM fosters NC indirectly through its influence on specific psychological states.