Children can experience nature in both direct and indirect ways. Gardening and planting trees are examples of direct experiences with nature; observing birds and watching nature programs on TV are examples of indirect experiences. Some research suggests that direct experiences are more effective in promoting connectedness to nature (CTN) than indirect experiences. Yet, children today tend to have more frequent indirect experiences with nature than direct experiences. Does this equate to children having less CTN? This study aimed to identify current trends of Malaysian children's direct and indirect experience with nature and examine the effects of these experiences on their CTN.
Twenty schools, representing both urban and rural settings in Malaysia, participated in this study. Random assignment determined which classes and which students (age 10-11) from these schools would participate. The participating students (N = 760) completed questionnaires focusing on their direct and indirect experiences with nature. The questionnaire also included an assessment of the students' connectedness to nature. Twenty-two items addressed direct experiences in four different categories: activities with plants, activities with earth elements, water activities, and activities with animals. Twelve items addressed indirect experiences in three categories: observation of natural elements (plants, birds, insects), visits to organized natural places (zoo, aquaria, botanical garden), and vicarious activities (watching nature program on television, reading books about nature, collecting nature pictures). The CTN section of the questionnaire consisted of 26 items, measuring six constructs: nature dependence, sense of responsibility, enjoyment in nature, empathy towards nature, interest in nature activities, and interest in natural spaces.
Results showed that the children had more indirect experiences with nature than direct experiences. Of their indirect experiences, observation of natural elements and vicarious activities were more frequent than visits to organized natural places. Of the indirect experiences, both vicarious activities and observation activities were statistically significant predictors of CTN, with vicarious activities being the stronger predictor. Children from all locations had about the same frequency of direct experiences for all activities with just slight differences. In order of frequency, these activities consisted of engagement with plants, water elements, animals, and earth elements.
Overall results of this study “demonstrated that direct experiences with nature have no significant effect on CTN, whereas indirect experiences with nature significantly affect CTN.” This research indicates that indirect experiences with nature can be used to promote children's CTN. It does not indicate, however, that direct experiences should be dismissed.
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