PERSONALITY AND WELL-BEING: A PILOT STUDY IN PROTECTED AREAS AND NATIONAL PARKS IN ITALY

Previous research in the psychology field has primarily focused on the Big Five personality traits and daily psychological well-being. However, there is a significant lack of research on trait mindfulness and well-being experienced in specific green environments. The present research aims to address how trait mindfulness affects well-being experienced in protected areas and national parks. This study was carried out in different Italian protected areas and national parks, which are well-known for preserving biodiversity and offering opportunities for social and sustainable activities that can foster individual well-being. The sample consisted of 71 participants (Mean=42.85; SD=14.29; 42F). Participants completed a set of self-report measures, including a short socio-demographic questionnaire, the individual and collective pro-environmental scale, the Big Five 10, the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale Revised, and an ad hoc scale on well-being in protected areas and national parks. After controlling for age, gender, education, personal and collective pro-envioronmental behaviours, and Big Five, the analysis indicated that trait mindfulness positively predicted well-being in protected areas and national parks (B =0.581, p<0.01). This evidence suggests that people with high levels of trait mindfulness, characterised by an enhanced ability to stay present and aware, reported a higher experience of well-being when visiting natural environments. This implies that trait mindfulness may amplify the restorative effects of nature, probably due to a heightened capacity to engage with the surrounding environment. Our findings suggest that promoting mindfulness capacity and spending time in protected areas can maximise psychological benefits, making a valuable support for clinical interventions.