Marine Wildlife Experiences and Beliefs: Towards Reciprocal Benefits

Abstract

The concept of reciprocal healing invites consideration of how experiences in nature and with wildlife encourage mutual benefits via well-being for humans and the earth. This contrasts with using nature as a commodity for human gain without regard to the natural other. To understand human relationships with the earth we first need to consider what humans think, feel, and believe about nature. This study examined how beliefs vary between people of different ages, gender, and with various marine mammal experiences. A questionnaire asked which belief statements people agreed with, and responses from 679 participants provided either human-focused anthropocentric beliefs or earth-focused ecocentric beliefs. Based on the literature, we expected that males, older people, and those who have encountered animals in captivity would tend towards anthropocentric beliefs. The hypothesis was partially accepted. Ecocentric beliefs were more commonly chosen overall, and there were differences in beliefs depending on encounters experienced. Age group and gender affected the anthropocentric but not the ecocentric beliefs chosen. Ecocentric beliefs were more common for participants who had a combination of the two wild conditions, as expected. Unexpectedly, both anthropocentric and ecocentric beliefs were associated with a combination of all three experiences, and possible reasons are suggested. The findings from this study provide a springboard towards understanding how to activate reciprocal relationships between humans and animals. Wildlife experiences that foster ecocentric beliefs could help us move beyond a focus on one-sided human gains, towards stronger reciprocal relationships between humans and animals. Future studies may be able to tease apart this relationship further and examine the direct links between belief type, well-being, and behavior.

Human–Animal Interactions: Expressions of Wellbeing through a “Nature Language”

“…It appeared from the narratives that the more positive and connected the participant felt towards animals, the greater the kinship with the natural world in general, as reflected in the themes of Love, belonging, connection and Perspective gaining. The sense of connection and bonding to animals, described in the narratives, may speak to an intrinsic sense of commonality and shared belonging to nature, sensed through mutual encounters [ 24 ]. This was particularly relevant in the overlaps between the Psychological Descriptions and the Nature Interaction Pattern of Recognising and being recognised by a non-human other.…”

“…As has been discussed elsewhere [ 20 ] interactions with wildlife can benefit human wellbeing by contributing to positive emotions, engagement, relationships and connection, meaning, achievement and also an ecocentric perspective [ 13 ]. In particular, moving towards reciprocal benefits as evidenced by environmental behaviors may be enhanced by marine wildlife experiences [ 24 ].…”

“…Following on from connecting with nature and animals is the vision of reciprocity; when people join with nature and animals, they can also give back by caring for the land and honoring the animals they take from as do the Maori cultures [ 30 ]. A sense of mutuality in experiences encourages caring for and conserving nature and animals [ 24 , 26 , 31 ].…”