Enhancing Nature Connection and Positive Affect in Children through Mindful Engagement with Natural Environments.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Education
• Child Psychology
• Conservation Psychology

Background:

• Nature connection, a positive human-nature relationship, is vital for education and wellbeing.
• It predicts ecological behaviors in children and is key to tackling climate change.
• While short-term interventions show promise, the impact of mindful engagement on nature connection and affect is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of mindful activities on children's nature connection.
• To examine the impact of these activities on children's positive and negative affect.
• To explore a novel approach for environmental education.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 74 children aged 9-10 at a Welsh nature reserve.
• Participants engaged in three distinct mindful nature activities.
• Pre- and post-intervention measures assessed nature connection and affect.

Main Results:

• A significant small to medium effect of the mindful activities on nature connection was observed.
• Children reported a significant increase in positive affect post-activity.
• A small decrease in negative affect was also noted.

Conclusions:

• Mindful engagement with nature is an effective strategy for enhancing children's nature connection.
• These activities positively influence children's emotional states, increasing positive affect.
• This approach offers a valuable tool for environmental education and promoting wellbeing.