Previous studies on connectedness with nature have primarily focused on its effects on environmental behavior and physical and emotional well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether connectedness with nature is associated with the cognitive variable of thinking styles. The authors indicate that this is the first study in which connectedness to nature has been examined in Asia.
Conducted with secondary students in Singapore, this research included two complementary studies. The first study involved 138 students (75 males, 63 females) who completed an online survey that included existing measures of connectedness with nature and cognitive styles. This study found significant correlations between connectedness with nature and both innovative thinking and holistic thinking beyond demographic effects.
The second study replicated the first, but used a pen and paper survey delivery mechanism and deepened the inquiry to determine whether connectedness with nature would predict cognitive styles when taking into consideration alternative explanations such as well-being effects. In addition to the previously used measurement tools, the second study survey included a measure for mood and measures of well-being. This survey was completed by 185 Singapore secondary students (98 males, 87 females). In addition to corroborating the results of the first study, the second study found that the relationships between connectedness with nature remained significant for both innovative and holistic thinking after controlling for emotional status and well-being.
Overall, this study suggests that innovative and holistic thinkers are more connected with nature than adaptive or analytic thinkers. In other words “individuals who have a closer connection with nature are more innovative-orientated and have higher holistic perspectives.” The authors offer recommendations for further research. They also offer suggestions to educators for policy implications, such as, “When reviewing the school curriculum and teaching pedagogies, schools and educators should consider incorporating ways to foster students' connectedness to nature.” They also offer suggestions for parents to incorporate nature-based experiences within their family's lifestyle. They close by saying, “Going outdoors to connect with nature is both beneficial for our well-being and for our capacity to innovate and refresh our thinking.”
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