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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexia Barrable & David Booth & Dylan Adams & Gary Beauchamp, 2021. "Enhancing Nature Connection and Positive Affect in Children through Mindful Engagement with Natural Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4785-:d:546657
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Miles Richardson & Anne Hunt & Joe Hinds & Rachel Bragg & Dean Fido & Dominic Petronzi & Lea Barbett & Theodore Clitherow & Matthew White, 2019. "A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Bates, Douglas & Mächler, Martin & Bolker, Ben & Walker, Steve, 2015. "Fitting Linear Mixed-Effects Models Using lme4," Journal of Statistical Software, Foundation for Open Access Statistics, vol. 67(i01).
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    Cited by:

    1. Katharina Voltmer & Maria von Salisch, 2023. "Promoting Subjective Well-Being and a Sustainable Lifestyle in Children and Youth by Strengthening Their Personal Psychological Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Alexia Barrable & David Booth, 2022. "Disconnected: What Can We Learn from Individuals with Very Low Nature Connection?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-9, June.

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