Factors associated with nature connection in children: A review, synthesis and implications for practice within environmental education and beyond

Abstract

Nature connection has been found in previous research to be a predictor of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours. For this reason, efforts to build children’s nature connection through a variety of avenues, including environmental education, have been explored by practitioners and researchers alike. In this paper we undertook a purposive literature search of research looking at factors associated with children’s nature connection. The resulting synthesis of 28 studies found demographic, dispositional, affective, familial, environmental and experiential factors that are associated with children’s nature connection that will be of interest to educators, parents, researchers and policy makers. Recommendations are made for the implementation in environmental education programmes and beyond, in order effectively mobilise an integrated response that will foster a sustained connection to the natural world.