eeRESEARCH

Welcome to our collaborative research library!

eeRESEARCH combines research for environmental education and the movement to connect children and nature. The database includes multiple ways to search for articles, syntheses, and research summaries. 

This project is a partnership with Children & Nature Network and NAAEE. Funded by the Pisces Foundation with support from ee360 and the U.S. Forest Service. Learn more.

Displaying 1 - 50 of 1987

Arts-based interventions in nature can increase nature connectivity and improve well-being in children and young people

Moula, Z., Palmer, K., & Walshe, N. (2022). A systematic review of arts-based interventions delivered to children and young people in nature or outdoor spaces: Impact on nature connectedness, health and wellbeing. Frontiers In Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.858781

Adolescents report being engaged and emotionally affected by current environmental issues

Thompson, R., Fisher, H. L., Dewa, L. H., Hussain, T., Kabba, Z., & Toledano, M. B. (2022). Adolescents' thoughts and feelings about the local and global environment: A qualitative interview study. Child And Adolescent Mental Health, 27, 4-13. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12520

Engaging children in digital storying can support children in expressing and sharing their emotional experiences.

Byman, J., Kumpulainen, K., Wong, C., & Renlund, J. (2022). Children's emotional experiences in and about nature across temporal–spatial entanglements during digital storying. Literacy, 56. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/lit.12265

High-quality parks and safe, walkable, built environments can enhance neighborhood social capital in low-income communities of color

Mullenbach, L. E., Larson, L. R., Floyd, M. F., Marquet, O., Huang, J., Alberico, C., et al. (2022). Cultivating social capital in diverse, low-income neighborhoods: The value of parks for parents with young children. Landscape And Urban Planning, 219. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104313

Planning programs around a nature-based literacy framework may promote child health while promoting ecological knowledge and stewardship

Barrette, M., Boyer, W., Naylor, P. J., & Harper, N. (2022). Defining a nature-based literacy: A research synthesis review of health-promoting literacies to promote nature engagement. Journal Of Adventure Education And Outdoor Learning. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2022.2067201

Access to multiple types of greenspace is a stronger predictor of greenspace use by children than parental support

Arvidsen, J., Schmidt, T., Praestholm, S., Andkjaer, S., Olafsson, A. S., Nielsen, J. V., & Schipperijn, J. (2022). Demographic, social, and environmental factors predicting Danish children's greenspace use. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 66. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127487

Children who become aware of the effects of climate change vicariously can have both maladaptive and adaptive emotional responses

Leger-Goodes, T., Malboeuf-Hurtubise, C., Mastine, T., Généreux, M., Paradis, P. -O., & Camden, C. (2022). Eco-anxiety in children: A scoping review of the mental health impacts of the awareness of climate change. Frontiers In Psychology. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872544

Green space exposure can promote youth development outcomes, but more research is needed in low- and middle-income countries

Sprague, N. L., Bancalari, P., Karim, W., & Siddiq, S. (2022). Growing up green: A systematic review of the influence of greenspace on youth development and health outcomes. Journal Of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-022-00445-6

Loose parts in an outdoor environment can enhance children's play and promote their holistic development.

Boulton, P., & Thomas, A. (2022). How does play in the outdoors afford opportunities for schema development in young children?. International Journal Of Play, 11, 184-201. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/21594937.2022.2069348

Different interactional qualities of teachers are needed to support young children's interest in natural elements

Skalstad, I., & Munkebye, E. (2022). How to support young children's interest development during exploratory natural science activities in outdoor environments. Teaching And Teacher Education, 120. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103687

Family is a strong determinant of open space use

Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., & van Heezik, Y. (2022). Nature exposure and use of open spaces in three generation families: Implications for planning. Journal Of Environmental Planning And Management, 65, 562-582. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.1891870

Nature-based early childhood education may support children's growth in multiple areas of social, emotional, and cognitive development

Johnstone, A., Martin, A., Cordovil, R., Fjørtoft, I., Iivonen, S., Jidovtseff, B., et al. (2022). Nature-based early childhood education and children's social, emotional and cognitive development: A mixed-methods systematic review. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105967

Neighborhood socioeconomic status moderates the way park and neighborhood environments influence children's park-based physical activity in a high-density city

Zhang, R., Zhang, C., Lai, P. C., & Kwan, M. (2022). Park and neighbourhood environmental characteristics associated with park-based physical activity among children in a high-density city. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127479

More vulnerable groups live near and have access to parks, but they are less attractive

Biernacka, M., Lasziewicz, E. \, & Kronenberg, J. (2022). Park availability, accessibility, and attractiveness in relation to the least and most vulnerable inhabitants. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 73. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127585

Frequency of family-based nature activities in childhood is related to more time outdoors and a preference for outdoor environments in early adulthood

Izenstark, D., & Middaugh, E. (2022). Patterns of family-based nature activities across the early life course and their association with adulthood outdoor participation and preference. Journal Of Leisure Research, 53, 4-26. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2021.1875274

Mentalization-based family therapy in outdoor settings may promote family connectedness and connectedness to nature

Mattsson, M., Fernee, C. R., Pärnänen, K., & Lyytinen, P. (2022). Restoring connectedness in and to nature: Three Nordic examples of recontextualizing family therapy to the outdoors. Frontiers In Psychology. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.768614

Access to urban green space in Mexico City is linked to the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood

Huerta, C. M. (2022). Rethinking the distribution of urban green spaces in Mexico City: Lessons from the COVID-19 outbreak. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 70. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127525

More research is needed to understand the impact of climate change awareness on children's mental wellbeing and emotions

Martin, G., Reilly, K., Everitt, H., & Gilliland, J. A. (2022). Review: The impact of climate change awareness on children's mental well-being and negative emotions – a scoping review. Child And Adolescent Mental Health, 27, 59-72. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12525

Ensuring access to natural spaces and private gardens close to home may help limit disparities to nature exposure

Olsen, J. R., Caryl, F. M., McCrorie, P., & Mitchell, R. (2022). Socioeconomic inequality in Scottish children's exposure to and use of natural space and private gardens, measured by GPS. Landscape And Urban Planning, 223. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104425

Schools in Santiago, Chile mimic the vegetation inequalities seen throughout the city

Fernández, I. C., Pérez-Silva, R., & Villalobos-Araya, E. (2022). Vegetation cover within and around schools in Santiago de Chile: Are schools helping to mitigate urban vegetation inequalities?. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 70. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127520

State standards and political affiliation influence teaching about climate change in TX and CA

Khalidi, R., & Ramsey, J. (2021). A comparison of California and Texas secondary science teachers' perceptions of climate change. Environmental Education Research, 27, 669 - 686.

Research using simulated natural environments yield new insights into Attention Restoration Theory

Crossan, C., & Salmoni, A. (2021). A simulated walk in nature: Testing predictions from the attention restoration theory. Environment And Behavior, 53, 277-295. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0013916519882775

Forest healing programs can positively improve the interpersonal relationship skills of adolescents in foster care

Hong, J., Park, S., & An, M. (2021). Are forest healing programs useful in promoting children's emotional welfare?: The interpersonal relationships of children in foster care. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127034

Schools can mitigate children's declining contact with nature, but various spatial, cultural, and social factors tend to impede the process

Walker, E., Bormpoudakis, D., & Tzanopoulos, J. (2021). Assessing challenges and opportunities for schools' access to nature in England. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127097

Wildflower seed packets lead to pollinator-friendly behaviors, though more follow-up is needed

Kerr, K. C. R., & Harricharan, A. K. (2021). Assessing the impact of complimentary wildflower seed packets as an outreach tool for promoting pollinator conservation at a zoo. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 20, 92 - 106.

Views of natural elements can contribute to the subjective well-being of primary students

Lindemann-Matthies, P., Benkowitz, D., & Hellinger, F. (2021). Associations between the naturalness of window and interior classroom views, subjective well-being of primary school children and their performance in an attention and concentration test. Landscape And Urban Planning, 214. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104146

Developing effective conservation messages for students and community members

Gonzalez, A. M., & Reynolds-Tylus, T. (2021). Attitude-intention consistency in the context of energy and water conservation: Examining the moderating role of vested interest. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 20, 319 - 333.

Environmental education should consider non-human centered approaches to teaching for better understanding of animal welfare issues

Almeida, A., & Fernández, B. G. (2021). Attitudes towards animal welfare in Portuguese students from the 6th and the 9th year of schooling: implications for environmental education. Environmental Education Research, 27, 911 - 935.

Dominant contemporary narratives in the literature tend to exclude infants and toddlers from the outdoors

Kemp, K., & Josephidou, J. (2021). Babies and toddlers outdoors: A narrative review of the literature on provision for under twos in ECEC settings. Early Years. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2021.1915962

Increased time in Oslo green spaces during COVID is sustained post-lockdown

Venter, Z. S., Barton, B. N., Gundersen, V., Figari, H., & Nowell, M. S. (2021). Back to nature: Norwegians sustain increased recreation use of urban green space months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Landscape And Urban Planning, 214. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104175

Pre-service course positively influences educators' interest and self-efficacy in leading field trips

Ordon, K. -J., Bartelheimer, M., & Asshoff, R. (2021). Biology student teachers' interest and self-efficacy in planning and conducting field trips after participation in a university course. Environmental Education Research, 27, 88 - 109.

Professional development program builds confidence in teaching climate change

Li, C. J., Monroe, M. C., Oxarart, A., & Ritchie, T. (2021). Building teachers' self-efficacy in teaching about climate change through educative curriculum and professional development. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 20, 34 - 48.

Lessons learned from Taiwan's nationwide education for sustainable development program

Huang, Y. -S., Harvey, B., & Asghar, A. (2021). Bureaucratic exercise? Education for sustainable development in Taiwan through the stories of policy implementers. Environmental Education Research, 27, 1099 - 1114.

How Canadian environmental artists see their work as a form of environmental education

Yakamovich, J., & Wright, T. (2021). Care-full, convivial, curious: Weaving Canadian artists' conceptions of art as a form of transformative environmental education. The Journal Of Environmental Education, 52, 223 - 238.

Appreciative outdoor activities during childhood promote connection to nature and environmental-citizenship behaviors

Hoover, K. S. (2021). Children in nature: Exploring the relationship between childhood outdoor experience and environmental stewardship. Environmental Education Research, 27, 894-910. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2020.1856790

Young children, with support of early childhood educators, have the ability to be meaningfully involved in ecologically sustainable practices

Konerman, R., Elliott, S., Pugh, R., Luthy, T., & Carr, V. (2021). Children's agency and action in nature preschool: A tale of two programs. Children, Youth And Environments, 31, 139-150. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.31.2.0139

Citizen science programs can improve environmental knowledge and behaviors

Morales, P. K., Roslan, N., Haas, A., & Lykins, A. D. (2021). Citizen science engagement: Lessons learned from the ClimateWatch “Scientist for a Day” program. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 20, 393 - 405.

Climate change disproportionately impacts poor countries, poor children within these countries, and low-income populations living near the equator

Arpin, E., Gauffin, K., Kerr, M., Hjern, A., Mashford-Pringle, A., Barros, A., et al. (2021). Climate change and child health inequality: A review of reviews. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 18. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010896

Clinical Ecopsychology focuses on the mental health impacts and underlying pathways of ecological adversity

Thoma, M. V., Rohleder, N., & Rohner, S. L. (2021). Clinical Ecopsychology: The mental health impacts and underlying pathways of the climate and environmental crisis. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.675936

Optional conservation recommendations are more effective than mandates

Gonzalez, A. M., Reynolds-Tylus, T., & Quick, B. L. (2021). Clustering energy and water conservation behaviors as choices: examining the moderating roles of message elaboration and involvement. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 20, 139 - 154.

Exploring family values, social norms, and experiences of nature can enhance connection to nature

Oh, R. R. Y., Fielding, K. S., Nghiem, L. T. P., Chang, C. C., Carrasco, L. R., & Fuller, R. A. (2021). Connection to nature is predicted by family values, social norms and personal experiences of nature. Global Ecology And Conservation, 26. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01632

Traditional variables expected to predict pro-environmental attitude and behaviors relating to estuary health prove to be insignificant

Monroe, M. C., Crandall, C., & Maynard, L. T. (2021). Conservation behavior can defy traditional predictors. The Journal Of Environmental Education, 52, 149 - 161.

Nature helped people from different countries cope with lockdown during COVID-19

Pouso, S., Borja, A., Fleming, L. E., Gómez-Baggethun, E., White, M. P., & Ulyarra, M. C. (2021). Contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown beneficial for mental health. Science Of The Total Environment, 756. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143984

Nature play is a valid contributor to sustainability outcomes

Ernst, J., McAllister, K., Siklander, P., & Storli, R. (2021). Contributions to sustainability through young children's nature play: A systematic review. Sustainability, 13, 1-36. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13137443

Effects of pandemic policies on children's emotions in Portugal

Rios, C., Neilson, A. L., & Menezes, I. (2021). COVID-19 and the desire of children to return to nature: Emotions in the face of environmental and intergenerational injustices. The Journal Of Environmental Education, 52, 335 - 346.

The negative impact of COVID-related stressors on children and adolescents call for a robust public health response

de Figueiredo, C. S., Sandre, P. C., Portugal, L. C. L., Mazala-de-Oliveira, T., Chagas, L. D. S., Rainy, I., et al. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic impact on children and adolescents' mental health: Biological, environmental, and social factors. Progress In Neuropsychopharmacology And Biological Psychiatry, 106. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110171

Environmental educators can create safe spaces for gender exploration and identity development

Decker, A., & Morrison, S. A. (2021). Decoding gender in nature-based education: perceptions of environmental educators. Environmental Education Research, 1 - 16.

Storylines can be beneficial for student learning in EE and science education

Lindgren, S., Morris, K., & Price, A. (2021). Designing environmental storylines to achieve the complementary aims of environmental and science education through science and engineering practices. The Journal Of Environmental Education, 52, 239 - 255.

Innovative evaluation shows improvement of five environmental education related outcomes in program participants

Garip, G., Richardson, M., Tinkler, A., Glover, S., & Rees, A. (2021). Development and implementation of evaluation resources for a green outdoor educational program. The Journal Of Environmental Education, 52, 25 - 39.

New tool for assessing parental self-efficacy related to nature connectedness is reliable and valid

Barnes, C., Harvey, C., Holland, C., & Wall, S. (2021). Development and testing of the nature connectedness parental self-efficacy (NCPSE) scale. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 63. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127343