CogKnoSys

Knowledge you can walk. Read the idea below, then step up to the general, across to peers or down to the specific.

Spiritual

Nature Connection

Nature connection is the sense of being part of the natural world, which researchers call nature connectedness.

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The idea

Nature connection is the feeling of being part of the natural world rather than separate from it. Researchers call it nature connectedness: the extent to which people include nature as part of their identity. Some describe it simply as a love of nature, or as feeling emotionally connected with it. It includes an understanding of nature as a whole, even the parts that are not pleasing.

The researcher Schultz describes three components. The cognitive component, the core, is how integrated a person feels with nature. The affective component is a sense of care for nature. The behavioral component is a commitment to protect the natural environment. Nature connectedness tends to stay stable over time, like a personality trait, but it can still grow. The more time people spend in nature, the more connected they feel and the more concern they may feel for it.

Feeling connected to nature is linked with more positive moods, fewer negative moods and greater well-being. Yet modern life keeps many people indoors, and some researchers estimate that humans spend up to 90% of their lives inside. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an inborn tendency to seek connections with nature and other living things, which may help explain why time outdoors can feel restoring. For many people, this connection is also spiritual, a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.

Check yourself

Question 1 of 3

Which component of nature connectedness is a commitment to protect the environment?

Pick one. The first pick counts.

Composition

what it's made of

  • Cognitive component — The core: how integrated a person feels with nature.
  • Affective component — A person's sense of care for nature.
  • Behavioral component — A commitment to protect the natural environment.
  • Time in nature — Spending time in nature tends to deepen the feeling of connection.
  • Identity — Including nature as part of who you are.

Connection

how it relates

Under Personal Spirituality

Felt

  1. Happiness and Joystrength 60 of 100

    Feeling connected to nature is linked with more positive moods and greater well-being.

In place

  1. Natural Sanctuariesstrength 50 of 100

    Natural sanctuaries are places people visit to feel close to the living world.

Related

  1. Habitatsstrength 50 of 100

    Learning how habitats support living things is one way people deepen their understanding of nature.

  2. Biodiversitystrength 40 of 100

    People who feel connected to nature tend to care more about protecting the variety of life.

Change

how and why it evolves

Past
In 1984 Edward O. Wilson introduced the biophilia hypothesis, the idea that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. In a 1997 book, the researcher Kellert proposed that being close to nature also raises well-being.
Now
Architects now apply the biophilia hypothesis through biophilic design, a way of building that aims to reconnect people with the natural environment.
Next
As cities grow, urban parks, school gardens and outdoor programs will likely matter more for keeping people connected to the natural world.

Knowledge you can walk. Read the idea, then step up, across or down.

Nature Connection

Nature connection is the sense of being part of the natural world, which researchers call nature connectedness.

Learn, discuss, create, buy or invest

The idea

Nature connection is the feeling of being part of the natural world rather than separate from it. Researchers call it nature connectedness: the extent to which people include nature as part of their identity. Some describe it simply as a love of nature, or as feeling emotionally connected with it. It includes an understanding of nature as a whole, even the parts that are not pleasing.

The researcher Schultz describes three components. The cognitive component, the core, is how integrated a person feels with nature. The affective component is a sense of care for nature. The behavioral component is a commitment to protect the natural environment. Nature connectedness tends to stay stable over time, like a personality trait, but it can still grow. The more time people spend in nature, the more connected they feel and the more concern they may feel for it.

Feeling connected to nature is linked with more positive moods, fewer negative moods and greater well-being. Yet modern life keeps many people indoors, and some researchers estimate that humans spend up to 90% of their lives inside. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an inborn tendency to seek connections with nature and other living things, which may help explain why time outdoors can feel restoring. For many people, this connection is also spiritual, a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.

Check yourself

3 quick questions, instant feedback.