Date of Award:

8-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Gayle S. Morse

Committee

Gayle S. Morse

Committee

M. Scott DeBerard

Committee

JoAnn T. Tschanz

Abstract

In recent decades, a new branch of psychology has emerged—ecopsychology. This field looks at the complex relationship between human beings and the natural world. Previous research has shown the importance of direct experiences in nature for the promotion of human health and well-being. However, it is still not understood why these experiences in nature carry so much importance.

It is possible that the concept of connectedness to nature (CTN) plays a role in this relationship between nature and wellness. CTN is defined as feelings of close affiliation with the natural world in a physical, cognitive, and emotional manner. Previous research leaves open the possibility that these feelings of affiliation and connectedness may contribute to well-being.

To try to better understand this idea, a survey was designed to measure CTN, quality of life, and mental health. Since research of these ideas has never been performed before, this should be considered an exploratory project. In this current study, 267 undergraduates at Utah State University participated.

Results indicated that certain aspects of mental health and quality of life were related to overall CTN. First, relationships were found between mental health and quality of life variables and one specific aspect of CTN which can also be thought of as the desire to have direct experiences in the natural world. Second, demographic factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity were all associated with CTN. Future research should try to understand what things might contribute to CTN and to develop interventions which might increase CTN and well-being.

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Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on July 31, 2012.

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