Nature as an Ecological Asset for Positive Youth Development: Empirical Evidence From Rural Communities

Abstract

Despite increasing emphasis on youth contact with nature and associated benefits, research has not examined the direct relationship between adolescents' nature-based experiences and holistic measures of positive youth development (PYD). This gap may stem from the lack of interdisciplinary work on nature and PYD. Our study integrates multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore direct associations between time in nature, connection to nature, and the five Cs of PYD (competence, connection, confidence, character, and caring) as well as the “sixth” C of contribution. From 2015 to 2016, we collected data from 587 diverse South Carolina middle school students (57% female, 40% BIPOC) between the ages of 11 and 14 (Mage = 12.9) and living in predominantly low-income communities. OLS regression analyses indicated that across all youth, self-reported connection to nature was a consistent positive correlate of overall PYD and each of the individual Cs. Time in nature was associated with overall PYD and competence. Findings demonstrate significant associations between nature-based experiences and PYD and underscore the importance of ensuring that diverse youth can access and enjoy the developmental benefits of nature and nature-based recreation opportunities.

Positive Youth Development in the Context of Climate Change: A Systematic Review

“…For instance, rising temperatures, droughts, floods, and severe storms have been associated with malnutrition, diminished quality of life, psychological distress, elevated interpersonal and intergroup conflict, inflated negative affect, or compromised sense of belonging, while also affecting outdoor recreational opportunities (Evans, 2019 ). This is particularly relevant for youth since nature constitutes a developmental resource, benefiting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes (Bowers et al, 2021 ). The opportunity of growing up in a supportive, enabling, and secure environment may be seriously compromised.…”

Managing the Built Environment for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention With Maharishi Vastu Architecture: A Review

“…Almost two decades ago Evans 106 wrote, “The built environment has direct and indirect effects on mental health.” Indeed, the hazards of urban life that are the subject of much of the field of public health are often proposed to have arisen substantially because most architecture and urban design is not adequately integrated with nature (for example: Bowers et al, 2021. 107 ; Davis et al 2021 108 ). The findings collected in this paper give hope that MVA buildings, with their wide-ranging and profound agenda of alignment with nature, may reduce these hazards.…”

Childhood Nature Connection and Constructive Hope

“…When parents of preschoolers rated their young children's social and emotional health as well as their connection with nature, children who showed awareness and enjoyment of nature, empathy for plants and animals, and responsibility to take care of nature were also more likely to show prosocial behavior and less likely to display hyperactivity/inattention, peer problems, and emotional problems (Sobko et al, 2018). Among 11-to 14-yearolds, higher measures of nature connection were positively associated with higher self-reported levels of competence, connection with other people, confidence, caring behaviors, and character in the sense of living by positive principles and values (Bowers, Larson & Parry, 2021). These youth were also more likely to believe in a hopeful future when they expressed greater connection with nature.…”