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Becky.Mathers.Dissertation.pdf (1.74 MB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
The Power of a Profound Experience with Nature
Author Info
Mathers, Becky N
ORCID® Identifier
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7278-9731
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1587576890837463
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2020, Ph.D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Environmental Studies.
Abstract
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.
Committee
Alesia Maltz, PhD (Committee Chair)
Jimmy Karlan, PhD (Committee Member)
Louise Chawla, PhD (Committee Member)
Pages
174 p.
Subject Headings
Environmental Studies
Keywords
profound nature experiences
;
significant life experiences
;
memory function
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Refworks
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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)
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Document number:
antioch1587576890837463
Download Count:
267
Copyright Info
© 2020, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.