Table 1_Birdwatching intensity and its impacts on mental health, happiness, mindfulness and nature connectedness among birders: a cross-sectional study in Brazil.docx

However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood and standardized instruments capable of measuring the intensity of this practice are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association between birdwatching intensity and indicators of subjective happiness, mindfulness, nature connectedness and psychological distress, as well as to present initial evidence of validity for the Birdwatching Intensity Index (BII).</p>Methods<p>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 444 Brazilian birdwatchers that completed an online questionnaire composed of three sections: 1) sociodemographic information; 2) characterization of birdwatching intensity index (BII) and 3) validated psychometric scales: subjective happiness (PHI), mindfulness scores (MAAS), nature connectedness (CNS) and psychological distress (SRQ-20).

Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed, in addition to assessments of internal consistency and the factor structure of the BII.</p>Results<p>Greater birdwatching intensity was associated with higher MAAS (p = 0.036) and lower levels of SRQ-20 (p < 0.001), with no significant differences observed for PHI or CNS. After item refinement, the reduced three-item version of the BII demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80) and a unidimensional structure, supporting its use as a parsimonious measure of engagement in birdwatching.</p>Discussion<p>Birdwatching was associated with greater mindfulness and lower psychological distress, reinforcing its potential to promote well-being and mental health.</p>