Enhancing Nature Connection and Positive Affect in Children through Mindful Engagement with Natural Environments

Alexia Barrable, David Booth, Dylan Adams and Gary Beauchamp
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Alexia Barrable: School of Education and Social Work, University of Dundee, Scotland DD1 4HN, UK
David Booth: School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland DD1 4HN, UK
Dylan Adams: Cardiff School of Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales CF5 2XJ, UK
Gary Beauchamp: Cardiff School of Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales CF5 2XJ, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Nature connection, which describes a positive relationship between humans and the rest of nature, has been recognised as a worthwhile goal of all education. Given its association with wellbeing, as well as the fact that it can predict ecological behaviours in children, there have been several calls for it to become central to environmental education, and an important tool in tackling climate change. Previous research has reported the success of short-term interventions in increasing nature connection in children, but to date no empirical studies have looked at how mindful engagement with nature can promote both nature connection and positive affect. This study took place in a nature reserve in Wales and included n = 74 children, aged 9–10, who took part in three mindful activities. Pre- and post- measures included nature connection and positive/negative affect. Analysis showed a significant small to medium effect of the activity on nature connection. Moreover, positive affect significantly increased post-activity, while negative affect showed a small decrease.

Keywords: nature connection; children; nature reserves; affective wellbeing; mindfulness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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