Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Vernon, Laura

Abstract

One of the primary goals of research in conservation psychology is to analyze how humans behave towards nature and how to change that behavior in a pro-environmental direction. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study focuses on empirically supported ways to increase individual pro-environmental behavior (PEB). We found environmental education (EE) is a useful approach to this, particularly when we implement it younger and for longer periods of time. Informal EE is another prime focus as it shows more success than formal EE alone. Connection to nature (CN) is shown to predict PEB as well. Since this study focuses on ways to change behavior, we looked at how to increase CN. Research suggests that increasing experiences with nature increases CN and, subsequently, PEB. Again, this is particularly useful when implemented during childhood. This review suggests more research attention should be placed on these methods in supporting environmental behavior.

Comments

Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2019.

Extent

43 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00129

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