Beyond words – the potential of arts-based research on human-nature connectedness

Abstract

Many scientists agree that the increasing disconnect between modern societies and nature is one of the greatest sustainability challenges of our time. At the level of individuals, human-nature connectedness has shown to be positively correlated with pro-environmental behavior and well-being. Reconnecting humans to nature may therefore constitute a leverage point for sustainability transformation. While a more comprehensive understanding of the multiple dimensions of human-nature connectedness is vital, many studies inquire exclusively into cognitive connections to nature, often following quantitative approaches. In this paper, I examine the potential of arts-based methods to overcome the reliance on language and unveil nuances of human-nature connectedness that lie beyond words. Arts-based research is capable of tapping into emotions and embodied experiences, which are often neglected in science. Since most art forms entail a non-verbal component, using them in the research process may transcend the cognitive to elicit unspoken knowledge. This makes arts-based research eligible particularly for investigating and enhancing emotional connections with nature. Nonetheless, arts-based methods pose specific challenges in data collection, data interpretation, and data representation and should be carefully integrated alongside quantitative and qualitative methods. This paper aims to provide valuable impulses for all researchers, artists, and practitioners concerned with humannature connectedness.

Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations

“…Especially in the realm of human-nature relations in which multiple demands, values and emotions are integrated, new methodologies are helpful for developing more encompassing analyses. One such collection of methodologies mentioned by authors of this special issue are arts-based approaches, which can serve as possible methodological additions to strengthen the connections humans have with their surrounding nature (Muhr 2020;Raatikainen et al 2020;Richardson et al 2020). Such diverse and flexible approaches towards implementing senses of belonging to overcome the dichotomy between nature and humans have proven useful in various projects, particularly when working with nonacademics.…”

Human-nature connectedness as leverage point

“…One of these approaches are arts-based practices, which can highlight connections between body and mind and reveal unspoken realities of a (dis)connectedness with nature. Arts-based practices, especially when connected with science, may promote pro-environmental behaviours for a more sustainable future (Muhr 2020;Raatikainen et al 2020;Richardson et al 2020). In environmental education, arts-based methods (e.g.…”

“…Similarly, Muhr (2020) explores the potential of arts-based methods to overcome the reliance on language and unveil nuances of human-nature connectedness beyond words. To do so, Muhr (2020) presents three studies applying arts-based methods in research approaches on human-nature connectedness, showing the potential of arts to evoke deep emotional connections with nature.…”

“…Similarly, Muhr (2020) explores the potential of arts-based methods to overcome the reliance on language and unveil nuances of human-nature connectedness beyond words. To do so, Muhr (2020) presents three studies applying arts-based methods in research approaches on human-nature connectedness, showing the potential of arts to evoke deep emotional connections with nature. Additionally, Muhr (2020) remarks that arts-based research can also serve as a deep leverage point of sustainability transformation in the way we produce, use and exchange knowledge, going beyond scientific paradigms to integrate other sources and worldviews.…”

Exploring desirable nature futures for National Park Hollandse Duinen

“…Another aspect could be to get more creative with the visions so that they are able to draw on people's emotional attachment to the national park (Pereira et al 2019). Graphic facilitation helped participants to visualize their discussions, but more engaged artistic experiences such as through theatre or photography could elicit other connections to nature value perspectives (Galafassi et al 2018;Muhr 2020).…”