A Unique Association Between Children and Nature Revealed

A recent study presented in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” has observed that children who are close to nature are more likely to remain healthy. Though a previous study has discovered an association between the connection to nature and happiness in adults. The research team of this latest study has made efforts to see if the results were similar in the case of children.

In this study, the team of researchers has analyzed the data taken from almost 296 kids. The study participants had an age of 9 to 12 years and belonged to the northwestern Mexican city. The team asked the kids to rate how much they like nature-related activities such as interacting with animals and observing wildflowers.

Using this rating, the team evaluated how much participants feel connected to nature. Some additional data was also collected from the kids who participated in this study, using which the team analyzed the attitude of these participants towards sustainability.

For this purpose, these children were asked questions regarding their behaviors related to frugality, equality, being eco-friendly, and altruism. They were also asked about their opinions on saving water and equality, along with the questions about their behavior, such as if they donate the used clothing and money.

The research team found that kids who think that they are more connected to nature are more likely to show \. In addition to this, the likelihood of happiness was also found to be increased when the participants were fair, altruistic, and eco-friendly and had a greater concern toward their environment.

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On the contrary, there was only a little association between happiness and frugality. The research team believes that this result can be explained by the fact that children may not have received any choice regarding this matter.

The study authors have also quoted previous research that explains the phrase “nature-deficit disorder“. This term is used by the professionals for explaining the lack of children’s connection to nature. It can also be used to describe a lack of bonding with other living beings. According to the statement provided by the research team, nature-deficit disorder can place the planet’s future at risk.

This study may also have an influence on environment-related concerns that up to some extent are prompted by the United Nations IPCC report. In its report of 2018, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) gave a warning stating that the world is left with a decade for avoiding the catastrophic change in the environment.

The young generation like teenager Greta Thunberg has played an important role in this movement and has come together against the procrastination shown by policymakers and law against change in the climate.

The teachers and parents should try to increase the exposure of children to nature, as an improved connection to nature can result in happiness and sustainable behaviors.

In the end, the authors of the study have also described the purpose of this research. The planet’s future depends on the actions of the children. And according to the authors, keeping in mind the environmental problems faced by humanity, it has become more significant to research regarding the factors that determine the sustainable behaviors in children.