Evaluating the effects of environmental education programming on connectedness to nature

Bodies in nature: Associations between exposure to nature, connectedness to nature, and body image in U.S. adults

“…For example, it will be useful to examine the efficacy of intervention technique that involve exposure to nature on body appreciation (e.g., nature walks, hiking excursions; Atchley, Strayer, & Atchley, 2012;Mitchell, 2013;White, Pahl, Ashbulby, Herbert, & Depledge, 2013). Likewise, examining the efficacy of programmes designed to promote connectedness to nature (e.g., Ernst & Theimer, 2011) on body appreciation would also be welcome. Taken together, it is possible that scholars and practitioners may uncover new methods of promoting body appreciation and positive body image more generally through engagement with nature.…”

Self-esteem mediates the relationship between connectedness to nature and body appreciation in women, but not men

“…For example, there is evidence that environmental education programmes are able to effectively increase connectedness to nature (Ernst & Theimer, 2011). It would, therefore, be worthwhile to investigate whether such programmes are also able to promote healthier body image among women, either directly through connectedness to nature or indirectly via mediating factors such as self-esteem.…”

Building a culture of conservation: Research findings and research priorities on connecting people to nature in parks

“…Some research has examined the efficacy of specific interventions designed to improve nature connectedness (Chambliss, 2013;Ernst & Theimer, 2011;Gilbertson, 2013;Tam et al, 2013), but most studies were associated with interventions or experiences in counselling or educational settings. Other research has focused on probing the relationships between nature connectedness and altruism (Chochola, 2009), stewardship activities (Ford, 2008), meaning in life (Creedon, 2012), happiness (Cervinka et al, 2012), mental health (Tauber, 2012), environmental behaviour (Chochola, 2009;Hoot & Friedman, 2011) and other aspects, but there are relatively few examinations of nature connectedness in parks and protected areas.…”