Term
Summer 2018
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Bill Lindquist
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Greg Reinhiller
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Mindy Christianson
Abstract
I conducted a mixed method survey to focus on the question, “What are the ways parents positively shape their children’s connectedness to nature?” There is a national phenomenon on the disconnect between children and the natural world, coined as the “nature deficit disorder.” This disorder has been linked to an increase in obesity, mental health, attention disorders and the overall well-being of children. I administered a quantitative survey for children to measure their connectedness to nature as well as a qualitative survey of parents to gather in-depth information to capture the richness of the nature experience that happens at home. It was found that perceived barriers do not act as actual barriers in regards to spending time outdoors, there is a theme of accomplishment in reasons why families spend time outdoors, and that children are able to demonstrate that they can identify feelings of connectedness and unity.
Research Methodology
Survey (attitude scale, opinion, questionnaire)
Keywords
Environmental Studies, Parent Involvement
Recommended Citation
Yue, Meredith, "Children’s Connectedness To Nature And Parental Influence: A Mixed Methods Survey" (2018). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 4422.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/4422
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Theses and Dissertations