The search for potential origins of a favorable attitude toward nature

• Nina Roczen ^[1] ; Caroline Duvier ^[3] ; Franz X. Bogner ^[2] ; Florian G. Kaiser ^[3]
  1. [1] Eindhoven University of Technology

     Eindhoven University of Technology

     Países Bajos

     
  2. [2] University of Bayreuth

     University of Bayreuth

     Kreisfreie Stadt Bayreuth, Alemania

     
  3. [3] Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany

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• Localización: PsyEcology: Bilingual Journal of Environmental Psychology / Revista Bilingüe de Psicología Ambiental, ISSN-e 1989-9386, ISSN 2171-1976, Vol. 3, Nº. 3, 2012, págs. 341-352
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  • The aim of this research was to empirically explore some feasible origins of a favorable attitude toward nature using retrospective and cross-sectional data. In two studies, we specifically examined the role of gratifying experiences in nature. In Study 1, based on interview data of four selected students from a larger sample of previously tested students (N = 217) from a grammar school in Bavaria, Germany, we tested whether two students with previously recognized markedly positive attitudes toward nature recalled more pleasurable and/or restorative experiences in nature than the two students with less favorable attitudes. We found that students with positive attitudes toward nature remembered about twice as many gratifying experiences in nature than did students with comparatively unfavorable attitudes toward nature. In Study 2, based on survey data of 496 students from two other grammar schools in Bavaria, Germany, we further explored the ways by which ease of access to nature and contact with nature could have advanced a positive attitude toward nature. In our theoretically anticipated model, ease of access to nature and contact with nature were effective via gratifying experiences exclusively. Thus, we confirmed that having gratifying experiences is a potential mediator required to convert one's contact with nature into a favorable attitude.