The importance of (not just visual) interaction with nature: A study with the Girl Scouts.
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| Title: | The importance of (not just visual) interaction with nature: A study with the Girl Scouts. |
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| Authors: | Gray, Carly E. (AUTHOR), Kahn Jr., Peter H. (AUTHOR), Lawler, Joshua J. (AUTHOR), Tandon, Pooja S. (AUTHOR), Bratman, Gregory N. (AUTHOR), Perrins, Sara P. (AUTHOR), Boyens, Frances (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Environmental Education. 2025, Vol. 56 Issue 2, p126-143. 18p. |
| Subjects: | Girl Scouts, Environmental education, Questionnaires, Woodpeckers, Snowmen |
| Abstract: | This study investigated whether children's nature interactions that are embodied (versus only visual) would be associated with a state of being highly aware without thought, including being in "the present moment," and/or feeling connected to something beyond the self. We refer to this state of being as Presence in nature. Using an interaction pattern approach, we coded written narratives from 127 Girl Scouts (8-11 years old) about a recent meaningful nature experience and, through a questionnaire designed for the study, assessed the degree to which participants experienced Presence in that nature experience. Exploratory analyses indicated that participants who enacted embodied interactions with nature (e.g., "making snowman," "wrapping arms around tree," "talking to chickens") reported a greater sense of Presence in nature than participants whose interactions relied solely on vision (e.g., "seeing snow," "seeing moss," "watching pileated woodpecker"). Discussion focuses on the implications of Girl Scouts' embodied nature interactions for environmental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated whether children's nature interactions that are embodied (versus only visual) would be associated with a state of being highly aware without thought, including being in "the present moment," and/or feeling connected to something beyond the self. We refer to this state of being as Presence in nature. Using an interaction pattern approach, we coded written narratives from 127 Girl Scouts (8-11 years old) about a recent meaningful nature experience and, through a questionnaire designed for the study, assessed the degree to which participants experienced Presence in that nature experience. Exploratory analyses indicated that participants who enacted embodied interactions with nature (e.g., "making snowman," "wrapping arms around tree," "talking to chickens") reported a greater sense of Presence in nature than participants whose interactions relied solely on vision (e.g., "seeing snow," "seeing moss," "watching pileated woodpecker"). Discussion focuses on the implications of Girl Scouts' embodied nature interactions for environmental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00958964 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/00958964.2024.2436166 |
