GreenTouch Erasmus+ project: Insights and findings from the in-depth needs analysis study

The deteriorating mental health of higher education students, accompanied by difficulties across physical,psychological, social, and academic domains, has become a global concern, underscoring the need for effective psychological interventions. Given the limited effects of conventional individual psychological interventions on improving students' mental health, a nature‐based intervention promoting mental well‐being through nature connectedness should be considered as a viable alternative. This study, as part of the Erasmus+ project""GreenTouch: EcoMind Development for Higher Education Future,"" aims to determine factors related to nature connectedness in an academic environment.This study used a mixed‐methods cross‐sectional approach,incorporating a survey and two roundtable discussions, conducted across Cyprus, Latvia, Portugal, and Slovenia.Participants included students, academic and non‐academic staff. In total, 1348 students (69% female) participated in the survey with almost one-third (32%) indicating having daily physical activities outdoors.There were significant differences between countries in nature connectedness and well-being, with students in Latvia (M=3.64, SD=0.9; M=47.44, SD=9.9) scoring higher than those in Slovenia (M=3.33, SD=0.9; M=45.26,SD=10.2). Multiple regression models suggested that in all countries, higher scores in quality of life, stress symptoms, self-compassion, and mindful relaxation, as well as lower scores in self-rated health, predicted nature connectedness. Qualitative data analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying themes of time, environment, activities, and accessibility. Findings of qualitative data show that both students (N = 5) and academics (N = 6) facetime constraints, with nature engagement most feasible during vacations and weekends. There is a shared desirefor greener environments, better public transport, and outdoor activities. Participants expressed the need for an accessible tool to foster nature connections through simple, rewarding activities. Findings will inform the development of a digital tool and e‐course grounded in ecological thinking. Limitations include reliance on self‐reported data and the fact that data collected only in English