Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Power of a Profound Experience with Nature

Abstract Details

2020, Ph.D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Environmental Studies.
This dissertation explores the long-term influences of a profound experience with nature—an experience that shifts an individual’s view of or relationship with the natural world. Significant life experience research investigates the associations between formative experiences in nature and resulting environmental concern and action, including both singular events and repeated experiences. In the case of a single, memorable experience with nature, little is known about the long-term effects of these experiences or how individuals use the associated memories in their lives. This research investigates these questions through semi-structured interviews with twenty-one adults who had a profound experience with nature, exploring how they make sense of their experience, the meaning they attribute to it, and the role it served in their lives. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and interpret the interview data. The findings demonstrate that a single profound experience with nature can have long lasting and significant effects on an individual. The associated memories serve self, social, and directive functions, including strengthening a sense of self, redefining relationships with people and nature as a whole, and promoting environmental decisions and behaviors. Findings also reveal a potential fourth use of memory: developing and appreciating relationships with other-than-humans. Understanding these long-term influences and uses of a profound experience with nature have implications for environmental educators, ecopsychologists, and memory scholars.
Alesia Maltz, PhD (Committee Chair)
Jimmy Karlan, PhD (Committee Member)
Louise Chawla, PhD (Committee Member)
174 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mathers, B. N. (2020). The Power of a Profound Experience with Nature [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1587576890837463

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mathers, Becky. The Power of a Profound Experience with Nature. 2020. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1587576890837463.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mathers, Becky. "The Power of a Profound Experience with Nature." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1587576890837463

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)