A framework for understanding the human experience of nature through cognitive mapping

Area of Science:

• Conservation Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Human Ecology

Background:

• Human behavior significantly drives the biodiversity crisis, necessitating changes in individual actions.
• Urbanization and other factors alienate people from nature, diminishing care for the environment and leading to an 'extinction of experience'.
• Understanding the multifaceted nature experience is vital for effective conservation, yet remains poorly defined and empirically underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically define the components and dimensions of nature experience.
• To develop a holistic, evidence-based framework for understanding nature experience.
• To identify key elements that foster a profound connection with and care for the natural world.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method approach was employed across the United States, Switzerland, and Israel.
• A multistage, conceptual content, cognitive mapping (3CM) exercise involving 106 participants was conducted.
• Participant perceptions of nature experiences were captured, refined, and organized into distinct components and dimensions.

Main Results:

• Nature experience comprises three dimensions: multisensory interactions, the circumstances of interaction, and internal responses (cognitive, affective, restorative benefits).
• Thirty-three components of nature experience were consistently identified across participants, including sensory perceptions, lack of human influence, relaxation, and awe.
• Elements like fear and experiencing nature at home were least frequently mentioned.

Conclusions:

• Nature experience is a complex interplay of interactions, circumstances, and internal responses.
• Prioritizing access to extensive, less human-influenced natural areas is essential for cultivating deeper nature experiences.
• Fostering profound nature experiences can enhance feelings of connectedness and promote pro-conservation behaviors.