A psychological inquiry into the relationship between people and the natural environment

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:There has been a growing awareness of nature among psychologists in recent years,both in terms of how psychology can contribute to the preservation of nature, and utiliseits benefits for human beings. In this paper both these aspects of the human-naturerelationship are explored. The sense of connectedness between people and natureappears to be the common ground between these two approaches, and it isrecommended that experiential as well as cognitive elements of the relationship shouldbe recognised. A limited qualitative pilot study was conducted with five participants ofa weekend wilderness experience. All the participants were female first year psychologystudents. Confirming previous research, this study found that the experience of natureis highly individualised, and includes heightened self-awareness, relaxation, socialrelationships, spiritual elements, and a sense of connectedness to nature.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University