Nature Experiences in Childhood as a Driver of Connectedness with Nature and Action for Nature: A Review

As many studies show, action for nature is related to connectedness with nature, and both have roots in nature experiences during childhood and youth. Through a literature review, we combine empirical studies on the interplay between experiences in nature during childhood and youth, connectedness with nature, and action for nature and uncover a new way of structuring understandings of connectedness with nature: humans and nature as separate yet related entities (intertwined), one as part of the other (including), and as one entity (indistinguishable). Although the interplay between experiences, connectedness, and action for nature has been clearly demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms are still to be unraveled. Studying this interplay through the lens of these three different understandings of nature contributes to elucidating the underlying mechanisms. We suggest how connectedness can be strengthened in terms of the findings of the studies included in the review and present two potential pathways: through experiences and through identification. Finally, we provide recommendations for future research using the integral ecology framework and call for more diversity in research methodologies and respondents. Key Words: Motivations—Human— Nature relationships—Pro-environmental behavior—Adolescence—Youth.