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“That Was the Happiest Time of My Life”: Understanding Childhood Eco-Connections in Appalachian Communities

Author

Listed:
  • Sherry Hamby

    (Department of Psychology, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383, USA
    Life Paths Research Center, Sewanee, TN 37375, USA)

  • Katherine M. Montgomery

    (Department of Psychology, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN 37383, USA
    Life Paths Research Center, Sewanee, TN 37375, USA)

  • Heather L. Storer

    (Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA)

  • Victoria Banyard

    (School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA)

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore facets of childhood eco-connections, using retrospective qualitative data from adults. One hundred and forty-five adults from predominantly rural and small-town communities in southern Appalachia (71.7% female), average age 36.23 years (SD = 12.08) participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews on key life experiences and the places they grew up. Mentions about place-related childhood memories or interactions were grouped into four themes based on exploratory thematic content analysis: nature nostalgia (positive reminiscences about nature experiences); nature immersion (extensive contact with the natural world during childhood); formative experiences with nature (nature interactions that taught a skill or life lesson); and rhythms of nature (appreciation of seasonal or cyclical patterns). Childhood eco-connections are multifaceted and often emerge from early impactful or intense experiences. Pro-environmentalism messages to youth may benefit from more references to childhood eco-connections.

Suggested Citation

  • Sherry Hamby & Katherine M. Montgomery & Heather L. Storer & Victoria Banyard, 2022. "“That Was the Happiest Time of My Life”: Understanding Childhood Eco-Connections in Appalachian Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16661-:d:1000323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lindsay P. Galway & Thomas Beery & Kelsey Jones-Casey & Kirsti Tasala, 2019. "Mapping the Solastalgia Literature: A Scoping Review Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-24, July.
    2. Tim Lomas, 2019. "The Elements of Eco-Connection: A Cross-Cultural Lexical Enquiry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-16, December.
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