How can nature connectedness and behaviours for learning be deliberately developed in children, adolescents and young adults? A systematic literature review.

Abstract

Background: Nature sustains lives, enhances well-being and benefits human populations in many ways. In a world dominated by human technology, the task of effectively reconnecting to and caring for nature is both urgent and vital. Evidence shows that many children and young people (CYP) feel increasingly disconnected from nature Schools and other settings could play a crucial role in promoting time spent in nature, potentially fostering nature connectedness (NC) and improving behaviours for learning (BFL).

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted to explore how NC can be developed in CYP through nature-based interventions and investigate their impact on BFL. Studies from settings working with CYP aged 0 to 29 were included, utilising quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.

Results: A total of 22 studies from 2009-2023 were identified from ERIC, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Most were quantitative studies (n = 13) from the global north (n = 19), involving primary or secondary school-aged CYP. A variety of nature-based interventions were assessed, including hiking, surfing, gardening, and art-in-nature activities.

Conclusions: The review highlights numerous ways to develop NC in CYP, with many associated benefits for BFL. Areas of impact include social skills, self-regulation, attention, motivation, independence, and problem-solving. Effective activities included walking and reflecting in nature, sensory connections, and creative activities. Many of the interventions reviewed were not carried out by schools, nor did they take place on their grounds, perhaps due to limited access to green space and nature on their school site. This highlights a significant gap in the literature. Given the large range of interventions, ages of participants, and quality of the included studies, it is not possible to draw specific conclusions about the type of activities that may work best for specific age groups or types of setting.