Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
05:33
Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
8.7K
Time Spent in Nature Is Associated with Increased Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors
Nicole V DeVille1,2, Linda Powers Tomasso3,4, Olivia P Stoddard5
1Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Summary
Spending time in nature increases appreciation for the environment and promotes pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors (PEAB). Early nature exposure in childhood is crucial for developing lifelong environmental stewardship and addressing planetary health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Conservation Psychology
- Child Development
Background:
- Modern lifestyles (urbanization, screen dependency) reduce children's nature contact.
- Reduced nature exposure leads to alienation from nature and decreased pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors (PEAB).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on the association between time spent in nature and nature connectedness.
- To evaluate the impact of nature exposure on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors (PEAB).
- To explore the long-term effects of childhood nature experiences on adult environmentalism.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of theoretical frameworks, metrics, and study populations.
- Evaluation of individual and societal values related to nature and PEAB.
Main Results:
- Time in nature positively correlates with nature connectedness and perceived value of nature.
- Nature connectedness is associated with increased pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors (PEAB).
- Childhood nature exposure influences the development of PEAB in adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Promoting time in nature is vital for fostering environmental stewardship.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term impact of nature exposure on PEAB.
- Early interventions can cultivate PEAB and mitigate alienation from nature, crucial for addressing environmental crises.
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