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Disconnected: What Can We Learn from Individuals with Very Low Nature Connection?

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Listed:
  • Alexia Barrable

    (School of Education and Social Work, University of Dundee, Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK)

  • David Booth

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK)

Abstract

While nature connection, which describes a positive relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world, has been a focus of numerous research studies in the last few decades, relatively little attention has been paid to nature disconnection. While the majority of the populations reported in most studies tend to be highly connected, there is a small percentage of those who feel they have no connection to the natural world. In this paper, we examine this novel construct of nature disconnection through secondary analysis of existing data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey (MENE) by Natural England. From our analysis of this disconnected population, we can see that they are more likely to be young (16–24 years old), male, not employed and living in rented accommodation. We also observe that they have lower levels of life satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviours. We go on to present an initial theoretical discussion as to the origins of disconnection and propose further research directions to tackle the under-theorisation of this construct.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexia Barrable & David Booth, 2022. "Disconnected: What Can We Learn from Individuals with Very Low Nature Connection?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:8021-:d:852350
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Elizabeth Nisbet & John Zelenski & Steven Murphy, 2011. "Happiness is in our Nature: Exploring Nature Relatedness as a Contributor to Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 303-322, April.
    2. Miles Richardson & Anne Hunt & Joe Hinds & Rachel Bragg & Dean Fido & Dominic Petronzi & Lea Barbett & Theodore Clitherow & Matthew White, 2019. "A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-16, June.
    3. Alexia Barrable & David Booth & Dylan Adams & Gary Beauchamp, 2021. "Enhancing Nature Connection and Positive Affect in Children through Mindful Engagement with Natural Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-11, April.
    4. Kirsten McEwan & Miles Richardson & David Sheffield & Fiona J. Ferguson & Paul Brindley, 2019. "A Smartphone App for Improving Mental Health through Connecting with Urban Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-15, September.
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