Exploring the human-nature connection and the perceived risk of nature in children

Authors

Archana Prasad, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Pankaj Lal, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Bernabas Wolde, Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center
Meghann Smith, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Michelle Zhu, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Bharath Kumar Samanthula, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Nicole Panorkou, Montclair State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal / Book Title

Applied Environmental Education and Communication

Abstract

We explored the impact of a daytrip for children aged 10-13 (n = 40) to assess perception of nature. Those who perceived risk in nature were 11.25 times more likely to indicate disinterest in spending time outdoors. Those interested in spending time outdoors were 6.9 times more likely to think people should care more about the environment. Experiences before the daytrip and demographics were explored further; composters were less fearful than their counterparts (p = 0.009), as were older children (p = 0.049). These findings suggest introducing tactile experiences and earlier interventions may support children’s comfort in nature and environmental stewardship.

DOI

10.1080/1533015X.2021.1991508

Journal ISSN / Book ISBN

85118542641 (Scopus)

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Prasad, Archana; Lal, Pankaj; Wolde, Bernabas; Smith, Meghann; Zhu, Michelle; Samanthula, Bharath Kumar; and Panorkou, Nicole, "Exploring the human-nature connection and the perceived risk of nature in children" (2022). Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 687.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/earth-environ-studies-facpubs/687