The benefits of nature connection for children are well documented in the academic literature. What's not clearly articulated, however, are consistent definitions of the terms “nature” and “nature connection.” Also of concern is the need for user-friendly frameworks to assist educators and clinicians in connecting children with nature in various contexts. The EcoWellness model represents one such framework.
A previous publication, in introducing the EcoWellness construct, defined it as “a sense of appreciation, respect for, and awe of nature resulting in greater feelings of connectedness and holistic wellness.” Nature, as conceptualized in the EcoWellness model, is presented in terms of a continuum – with green spaces and nonhuman entities in one's immediate environment on one end of the continuum and wilderness settings on the other end. The model is based on seven dimensions of EcoWellness: Physical Access, Sensory Access, Connection, Protection, Preservation, Spirituality, and Community Connectedness. In addition to referencing related research in support of each of these dimensions, the author also offers practical suggestions on how professionals can integrate the EcoWellness model in clinical and educational settings. One practical application focuses on the Physical and Sensory Access children have to nature.
The Children & Nature Network Research Library is referenced in this article as a resource for accessing academic literature highlighting the multiple benefits of nature for children and indicates that this resource “can help clinicians and educators develop ecotherapeutic and environmental education strategies.” They note, however, that there are a number of significant barriers impeding efforts of professionals to connect children with nature. Such barriers include standards-based education policy, heavy client caseloads or high student enrollment, additional managed care priorities, perceived inability of some teachers to engage students in environmental education, lack of access to outdoor spaces, lack of funding, and lack of time. Further research could help determine if a model such as EcoWellness might be useful to practitioners in overcoming such barriers and ultimately foster the holistic development of children, while also promoting understanding and care of the environment.
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