Title of Presentation or Performance
The Effect of Pets and Nature on Environmental Identity and Connection to Animals
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2013
Location
Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-20-2013 9:00 AM
End Date
4-20-2013 10:00 AM
Disciplines
Psychology
Abstract
This study examined environmental identity and connection to animals in college students. Previous research has suggested that exposure to animals and nature can increase caring for both animals and nature itself. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four video conditions and analyzed for differences in mood, environmental identity, and connectedness to animals after the viewing of these videos. No significant differences were found between experimental groups for environmental identity or connectedness to animals, but it was found that those who viewed an animal reported greater improvement in mood, and that this effect differed based on whether the animal was inside or outside. Results did indicate that those who owned pets during childhood reported higher levels of environmental identity than those who did not own pets. The findings of this study suggest the need for more research to determine how connection with nature and animals can best be nurtured.
Included in
The Effect of Pets and Nature on Environmental Identity and Connection to Animals
Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
This study examined environmental identity and connection to animals in college students. Previous research has suggested that exposure to animals and nature can increase caring for both animals and nature itself. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four video conditions and analyzed for differences in mood, environmental identity, and connectedness to animals after the viewing of these videos. No significant differences were found between experimental groups for environmental identity or connectedness to animals, but it was found that those who viewed an animal reported greater improvement in mood, and that this effect differed based on whether the animal was inside or outside. Results did indicate that those who owned pets during childhood reported higher levels of environmental identity than those who did not own pets. The findings of this study suggest the need for more research to determine how connection with nature and animals can best be nurtured.