The State of Interdependence with Nature Scale: Development and Initial Validation

The three studies reported in this article detail the development of the State of Interdependence with Nature Scale (SINS), a new self-report measure specifically designed to assess momentary fluctuations in feelings of deep connection, or “oneness,” with nature. Using exploratory factor analysis, Study 1 (N = 228) identified eight optimally performing items to be retained in the SINS. Using confirmatory factor analysis, Study 2 (N = 126) supported the SINS' unidimensional structure. Using bivariate correlation analysis and linear modeling, Study 3 (N = 73) found the SINS demonstrated strong positive correlations with legacy measures capturing the dispositional tendency to feel connected with nature and was sensitive to behavioral intervention. Nature-based interventions increased SINS scores relative to a control condition. Together, these three studies provide preliminary evidence that the SINS is psychometrically sound.