Embracing nature: Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the preferences for nature questionnaire

The preference for natural environments over urban settings is well-documented. The Preferences for Natural Environments Questionnaire (PNQ) is a valuable tool for evaluating preferences toward natural versus urban environments. However, its psychometric properties have not yet been explored outside of the US cultural context, and there is a lack of research on its sex invariance. This study aims to validate the PNQ in the Italian context by examining its factorial structure, convergent and incremental validity, and testing sex invariance. A sample of 582 Italian individuals (Mage = 31.7, SD = 14.8) completed an Italian-translated version of the PNQ (I-PNQ), alongside measures assessing connectedness to nature (CNS), environmental concerns (NEP-R), and nature-related behaviors and attitudes. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed a two-dimensional structure namely Preferences for Natural Environments (PNQ-N) and Preferences for Urban Environments (PNQ-U), and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed excellent fit indices. Internal reliability was good. The PNQ-N correlated significantly with the CNS and the NEP-R, while the PNQ-U negatively correlated with the CNS, providing evidence for its convergent validity. Incremental validity was established by demonstrating the significant contributions of the PNQ-N and the PNQ-U in predicting nature visitation frequency, time spent in nature, and enjoyment derived from nature, after controlling for other related constructs. The I-PNQ was found to be sex-invariant, enabling comparisons of environmental preferences between males and females. These findings support the I-PNQ as a reliable and valid tool for assessing environmental preferences, highlighting its utility in understanding nature-related behaviors and attitudes.