Direct nature experiences during childhood are associated with pro-environmental preferences during adulthood

Jensen, A. ., & Olsen, S. . (2019). Childhood nature experiences and adulthood environmental preferences. Ecological Economics, 156, 48-56. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.09.011

This paper presents a theoretical model depicting how childhood nature experiences are related to pro-environmental preferences in the adult population. Ecological systems theory and related research provide the framework for this model. This paper also presents a report of a study conducted to investigate whether the factors of childhood nature experience depicted in the model were associated with adulthood environmental preferences. If so, this would add credence to the model.

Participants for this study completed an online survey addressing both their childhood nature experiences and their environmental preferences as adults.  “Childhood nature experience” was defined as experiences occurring prior to age 11. Questions on the survey addressed temporal, social, and spatial contexts of childhood nature experience. This questions were (1) “On average, how often did you use nature areas (forest, coastline, lakes, streams and the open land) in childhood (prior to age 11)?” (2) “With whom did you regularly spend time outdoors during childhood (prior to age 11)?” and (3) “How do you remember your preferred playground prior to age 11?” By "playground" the authors simply mean a place where children play (not an established area with play equipment.) Survey questions relating to environmental preferences as adults were situated within choices relating to improved water quality. These questions were preceded by a description of current water problem situations and some suggested policy initiatives to improve the water quality. Information was also provided about how much each of the initiatives would cost in terms of increases in the individual's annual income tax payments. Responses from a total of 3686 individuals were used in the data analysis.

Results showed that respondents who have participated in nature-related activities at least once a week prior to age 11 were more likely to choose an initiative with good or high water quality even though these initiatives would be costlier to them than choices resulting in less water quality. The same was true for (1) respondents who had their parent or another significant adult with them as one of their primary social relations in nature-related activities and (2) respondents who reported unmanaged nature areas as one of the preferred playgrounds prior to age 11.

These findings are consistent with other research showing a positive association between childhood nature experiences and adult pro-environmental preferences. The previous research, however, was limited to environmental educators and activists. This research shows that the association applies to a broader population and that the association is maintained even when pro-environmental choices entail a financial cost to the individuals involved.

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