Childhood connection to nature has many benefits but is not universally positive, finds review
A connection to nature is complex, as well as positive emotions, it can generate negative emotions linked to issues like climate change

Date:
August 6, 2020
Source:
British Ecological Society
Summary:
A literature review finds that children are happier and more likely
to protect the natural world when they have a greater connection to
it, but this connection is complex and can also generate negative
emotions linked to issues like climate change.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The review, published in the British Ecological Society Journal People
and Nature, is the first to focus on nature connection in children
and adolescents.

In the article Dr Chawla comprehensively reviews the full scope of
literature on the topic, covering peer-reviewed articles, books and
studies by environmental organizations.


==========================================================================
The review finds that connecting with nature supports multiple areas of
young people's wellbeing. "There is strong evidence that children are
happier, healthier, function better, know more about the environment,
and are more likely to take action to protect the natural world when
they spend time in nature." said Dr Chawla.

Several studies found that children's connection with nature increased
with time spent in natural environments. Time spent in this way was also a predictor for active care for nature in adulthood. These findings support strategies and policies that ensure that young people have access to
wild areas, parks, gardens, green neighborhoods, and naturalized grounds
at schools.

However, a connection with nature is not universally positive. "My
review shows that connecting with nature is a complex experience that
can generate troubling emotions as well as happiness." said Dr Chawla.

"We need to keep in mind that children are inheriting an unravelling
biosphere, and many of them know it. Research shows that when
adolescents react with despair, they are unlikely to take action to
address challenges." Thankfully the review finds that there is overlap
in the strategies used to increase children's feelings of connection with nature and supporting them with difficult dimensions of this connection.

These strategies include helping young people learn what they can do to
protect the natural world, as individuals and working collectively with
others, and sharing examples of people who care for nature. Research
covered in the review finds that young people are more likely to believe
a better world is possible when friends, family and teachers listen sympathetically to their fears and give them a safe space to share
their emotions.

One of the most surprising findings from the review was the complete
disconnect between researchers studying the benefits of childhood
connection to nature and those studying responses to environmental
threats. "People who study children's connection with nature and those
who study their coping with environmental risk and loss have been pursuing separate directions without referencing or engaging with each other." said
Dr Chawla. "I am arguing that researchers on both sides need to be paying attention to each other's work and learning from each other."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by British_Ecological_Society. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Louise Chawla. Childhood nature connection and constructive hope: A
review of research on connecting with nature and coping with
environmental loss. People and Nature, 2020; DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10128 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200806092435.htm

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