A Study to Investigate the Relationship of Perceptions of Health to Knowledge, Attitudes and Exposure to The Natural Environment

Our natural environment is integral to physical, social and emotional well being, yet there has been a steady decline in interaction with nature within all age groups, especially among youth and college students. From a holistic perspective, environmental health can be linked to mental, social and spiritual health as well as physical health (Kellert, 2002, Wells 2003, Louv, 2011). Paralleling increasing environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution, reduction in open space and urban decay is a decline of interactions with nature and explorations of the “wonders of nature” among all ages, especially with youth, and young adults (Louv 2005, 2011). The impact of this trend suggests that it may correlate to poor health, lack of concern for the environment, and lack of support for environmental initiatives or related legislation (Pyle 1993). It is estimated that students today spend about 60 hours per week with electronic gadgetry and only about 5 minutes of unstructured time outdoors in nature (Louv, 2011). General population trends, such as urbanization of natural areas and competing indoor leisure activities, may contribute to the general decline in student interactions with nature. The authors will present results of an investigative survey conducted among several hundred college students nationwide in multiple college disciplines. The survey measured previous and current exposure to nature as well as environmental knowledge and attitudes. In addition, self-ratings of weight and general health were assessed. The survey gathered information about early childhood outdoor experiences, current level of outdoor activity and the perceptions of health and wellness. It also compared choice of college majors as a reflection of their nature awareness. Other measures included whether amount of nature contact might impact attitudes towards environmental issues. The authors will share the outcomes of the study and the implications for health education, promotion and advocacy.