Connectedness to nature: Its impact on sustainable behaviors and happiness in children
Children’s connectedness to nature positively impacts their sustainable behaviors which promote happiness
Adult studies have shown positive associations between connectedness to nature and pro-environmental behaviors. Studies have also found positive links between connectedness to nature and happiness and well-being in adults. This study expands the previous research by focusing on children.
Nearly 300 children (age 9-12) in Mexico completed a questionnaire consisting of three instruments: a connectedness to nature scale; a measurement of sustainable behaviors; and a Subjective Happiness Scale. For connectedness to nature, children were asked to indicate to what extent they agreed or disagreed with statements relating to their feelings and beliefs about nature and nature-related experiences. For example, did they find pleasure in seeing wildflowers or hearing sounds of nature? Did they consider humans to be a part of the natural world? The measurement of sustainable behaviors addressed four related areas: altruism, equity, frugality and pro-ecological behaviors. The Subjective Happiness Scale included three statements relating to happiness: happiness in general; happiness compared to most peers; and enjoyment of life regardless of what happens.
Results showed that children who are very connected to nature tended to help other people and engage in acts of altruism. They also actively cared for the environment through such actions as conserving water and reusing objects. Additionally, these children were more likely to believe in equality and scored high on the happiness scale. These results reveal significant associations between connectedness to nature, the determinants of sustainable behavior (altruism, equity, frugality, and pro-ecological behavior), and happiness. The weakest association was between frugality and happiness.
These results show that “connectedness to nature impacts sustainable behaviors and that these result in happiness.” These findings are consistent with previous research conducted with adults. This study adds to the line of research which emphasizes the importance of a commitment to the natural environment on people’s well-being.
Citation
Barrera-Hernández, L.F., Sotelo-Castillo, M.A., Echeverría-Castro, S.B., Tapia-Fonllem, C.O., (2020). Connectedness to nature: Its impact on sustainable behaviors and happiness in children. Frontiers in Psychology, 11
