- MacEwan University, Psychology, UndergraduateUniversity of British Columbia, Psychology, Graduate Studentadd
- I am a well-being researcher with a particular emphasis on the relationship between nature and various aspects of wel... moreI am a well-being researcher with a particular emphasis on the relationship between nature and various aspects of well-being (e.g., meaning in life, connectedness, hope). I also research meaning in life and its connection to feelings of being truly alive. I am an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Nature-Meaning in Life Lab at Concordia University of Edmonton. Please feel free to email me directly at Concordia University of Edmonton if you are looking for copies of my articles/chapters or if I can be of assistance in any way.edit
Serious attention and investments are being made by local, regional, and national organizations into policies and programs geared toward reconnecting children with nature to enhance children’s well-being and the well-being of the planet.... more
Serious attention and investments are being made by local, regional, and national organizations into policies and programs geared toward reconnecting children with nature to enhance children’s well-being and the well-being of the planet. However, this attention and investment commonly focuses on access to, or time in, nature, rather than on nature connectedness, despite evidence consistently supporting the important role that nature connectedness plays in con- tributing to greater well-being of both humans and the natural environment. A shift in policy efforts toward focusing on enhancing children’s nature connectedness may better serve these dual well- being outcomes. Such efforts need to be informed by a greater understanding regarding factors that predict nature connectedness in children. Using data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey commissioned by Natural England, we assessed child nature connectedness as a function of child, parental/ guardians’, and area-level characteristics (N = 209 children, N = 209 adults). Children’s age, neighborhood deprivation, and green space emerged as significant predictors of child nature connectedness. Parental/guardians’ level of nature connectedness, though, emerged as the strongest predictor of children’s nature connectedness, even when considered in concert with other child, adult, and area-level characteristics. Our findings provide important information to help guide nature connection initiatives, emphasizing the need for policy and program efforts to move beyond a focus on access and visits.
https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2020.0033
https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2020.0033
Research Interests:
In a series of four studies (Ns = 245, 135, 155, 222), we explored the effects of viewing nature scenes on promoting recovery from ostracism. We first manipu lated experiences of ostracism, then randomly assigned participants to view... more
In a series of four studies (Ns = 245, 135, 155, 222), we explored the effects of viewing nature scenes on promoting recovery from ostracism. We first manipu lated experiences of ostracism, then randomly assigned participants to view photos of either nature, urban scenes, or neutral objects. Across all four studies, participants who viewed nature photos reported significantly lower levels of state social pain, along with significantly higher levels of affect balance and self-esteem. Moreover, when asked to look back and recall how they felt at the time of being ostracized, participants who viewed nature photos reported significantly higher levels of retrospective satisfaction of basic emotional needs than did participants in control conditions. An internal meta-analysis revealed an effect size of d = 0.58. These studies are the first, to our knowledge, to provide experimental evidence of how exposure to nature can alleviate the pain of social ostracism.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2020.1784826
https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2020.1784826
Research Interests:
A wealth of literature has evidenced the important role that the greater-than-human natural environment plays in our mental health and wellbeing (reviews by Bratman et al., 2019; Capaldi et al., 2014, 2015; Pritchard et al., 2019).... more
A wealth of literature has evidenced the important role that the greater-than-human natural environment plays in our mental health and wellbeing (reviews by Bratman et al., 2019; Capaldi et al., 2014, 2015; Pritchard et al., 2019). Spending time in nature, engaging with nature directly and indirectly, and a strong sense of nature connectedness (a psychological/emotional connection with nature) have each been shown to positively impact well-being. Few studies, however, have examined the importance that various nature-related factors have on our well-being when examined in concert with each other, and no studies have simultaneously examined the differential influences of nature connectedness and engagement. In the current study, using a national United Kingdom sample of 2,096 adults, we provide new insights into this gap in the literature. Our primary focus was on examining, when considered simultaneously, the patterns and relative predictive importance to hedonic wellbeing (i.e., happiness), eudaimonic wellbeing (i.e., worthwhile life), illbeing (i.e., depression and anxiety), and general physical health of five nature-related factors: (1) nature connectedness, (2) time in nature, (3) engagement with nature through simple everyday activities, (4) indirect engagement with nature, and (5) knowledge and study of nature. A consistent pattern of results emerged across multiple analytical approaches (i.e., correlations, linear regression, dominance analyses, commonality analysis), wherein time in nature was not the main (or significant) predictive nature-related factor for wellbeing. Rather, nature connectedness and engaging with nature through simple activities (e.g., smelling flowers) consistently emerged as being the significant and prominent factors in predicting and explaining variance in mental health and wellbeing. Implications for practical application and policy/programme planning are discussed.
https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i1.1267
https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i1.1267
Research Interests:
How the COVID-19 pandemic will affect society long-term remains to be seen, but the role taken by wellbeing researchers and practitioners can shape our communal future. Never has wellbeing and the field of psychology been better equipped,... more
How the COVID-19 pandemic will affect society long-term remains to be seen, but the role taken by wellbeing researchers and practitioners can shape our communal future. Never has wellbeing and the field of psychology been better equipped, nor more relevant, in addressing issues of sustainable development known to significantly contribute to and underlie wellbeing. While efforts have been made across many areas, with each converging into the need for a more systemic view evidenced by theoretical developments in the field of positive psychology, wellbeing cannot remain the purview of individuals alone. Positive psychology interventions can be expanded to include attention to social and ecological issues as well. To support our claim, we explore issues that researchers and practitioners are tackling globally and consider how the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can guide that work. We also look at which of the SDGs are most critical in the Middle East region. Researchers and practitioners must align their activities towards the resolution of broad systemic issues bearing on wellbeing identified by the SDG agenda and in this manner, effectively contribute to the creation of a better world.
https://www.middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/112
https://www.middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/112
Research Interests:
1. The biodiversity crisis demands greater engagement in pro-nature conservation behaviours. Research has examined factors which account for general pro-environmental behaviour; that is, behaviour geared to minimizing one's impact on the... more
1. The biodiversity crisis demands greater engagement in pro-nature conservation behaviours. Research has examined factors which account for general pro-environmental behaviour; that is, behaviour geared to minimizing one's impact on the environment. Yet, a dearth of research exists examining factors that account for pro-nature conservation behaviour specifically—behaviour that directly and actively supports conservation of biodiversity.
2. This study is the first of its kind to use a validated scale of pro-nature conservaion behaviour. Using online data from a United Kingdom population survey of 1,298 adults (16+ years), we examined factors (composed of nine variable-blocks of items) that accounted for pro-nature conservation behaviour.
3. These were: individual characteristics (demographics, nature connectedness), nature experiences (time spent in nature, engaging with nature through simple activities, indirect engagement with nature), knowledge and attitudes (knowledge/study of nature, valuing and concern for nature) and pro-environmental behaviour.
4. Together, these explained 70% of the variation in people's actions for nature.
5. Importantly, in a linear regression examining the relative importance of these variables to the prediction of pro-nature conservation behaviour, time in nature did not emerge as significant.
6. Engaging in simple nature activities (which is related to nature connectedness) emerged as the largest significant contributor to pro-nature conservation behaviour. Commonality analysis revealed that variables worked together, with nature connectedness and engagement in simple activities being involved in the largest portion of explained variance.
7. Overall, findings from the current study reinforce the critical role that having a close relationship with nature through simple everyday engagement plays in pro-nature conservation behaviour. Policy recommendations are made.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10117
2. This study is the first of its kind to use a validated scale of pro-nature conservaion behaviour. Using online data from a United Kingdom population survey of 1,298 adults (16+ years), we examined factors (composed of nine variable-blocks of items) that accounted for pro-nature conservation behaviour.
3. These were: individual characteristics (demographics, nature connectedness), nature experiences (time spent in nature, engaging with nature through simple activities, indirect engagement with nature), knowledge and attitudes (knowledge/study of nature, valuing and concern for nature) and pro-environmental behaviour.
4. Together, these explained 70% of the variation in people's actions for nature.
5. Importantly, in a linear regression examining the relative importance of these variables to the prediction of pro-nature conservation behaviour, time in nature did not emerge as significant.
6. Engaging in simple nature activities (which is related to nature connectedness) emerged as the largest significant contributor to pro-nature conservation behaviour. Commonality analysis revealed that variables worked together, with nature connectedness and engagement in simple activities being involved in the largest portion of explained variance.
7. Overall, findings from the current study reinforce the critical role that having a close relationship with nature through simple everyday engagement plays in pro-nature conservation behaviour. Policy recommendations are made.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10117
Research Interests:
The science of wellbeing has come a long way from the early days of measuring wellbeing via a nation’s GDP, and wellbeing measures and concepts continue to proliferate to capture its various elements. Yet, much of this activity has... more
The science of wellbeing has come a long way from the early days of measuring wellbeing via a nation’s GDP, and wellbeing measures and concepts continue to proliferate to capture its various elements. Yet, much of this activity has reflected concepts from Western cultures, despite the emphasis placed on wellbeing in all corners of the globe. To meet the challenges and opportunities arising from cross-disciplinary research worldwide, the Well-Being for Planet Earth Foundation and the Gallup World Poll have joined forces to add more culturally relevant constructs and questions to existing Gallup modules. In this white paper, we review the discussion from the international well-being summit in Kyoto, Japan (August 2019), where nine such additions were proposed and highlight why a more global view of wellbeing is needed. Overall, the new items reflect a richer view of wellbeing than life satisfaction alone and include hedonic and eudaimonic facets of wellbeing, social wellbeing, the role of culture, community, nature, and governance. These additions allow for the measurement of a broader conceptualization of wellbeing, more refined and nuanced cross-cultural comparisons, and facilitate a better examination of the causes of variation in global wellbeing. The new Gallup World Poll additions will be trialled in 2020, with additional inclusions from this summit to be made in 2021.
https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v10i2.1037
https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v10i2.1037
Research Interests:
While developing excellence in knowledge and skills, academic institutions have often overlooked their obligation to instill wellbeing. To address this, we introduced a 14-week positive psychology intervention (PPI) program (Happiness... more
While developing excellence in knowledge and skills, academic institutions have often overlooked their obligation to instill wellbeing. To address this, we introduced a 14-week positive psychology intervention (PPI) program (Happiness 101) to university students from 39 different nations studying in the United Arab Emirates (N = 159). Students were exposed to 18 different PPIs. Pre, post, and 3-month-post measures were taken assessing hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, and beliefs regarding the fear and fragility of happiness. At the end of the semester, relative to a control group (N = 108), participants exposed to the Happiness 101 program reported higher levels of both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, and lower levels of fear of happiness and the belief that happiness is fragile. Boosts in life satisfaction and net-positive affect, and reduction of fear of happiness and the belief that happiness is fragile were maintained in the Happiness 101 group 3 months post-intervention.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-9993-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-9993-z
Research Interests:
This research investigated (a) the role of empathy and stigmatizing attitudes in the use of noun labels applied to people with psychological disorders (e.g., John is a schizophrenic), and (b) whether depicted violence increases such... more
This research investigated (a) the role of empathy and stigmatizing attitudes in the use of noun labels applied to people with psychological disorders (e.g., John is a schizophrenic), and (b) whether depicted violence increases such usage. In Study 1, undergraduate participants (N ⫽ 308) read two mock newspaper stories in counterbalanced order: one depicting a man with schizophrenia committing a nonviolent crime and one depicting a man with schizophrenia committing a highly violent crime. Participants then selected seven headlines for each of the two news stories, in each case choosing between headlines employing either a noun label (e.g., Schizophrenic Snaps) or a person-first label (e.g., Person with Schizophrenia Snaps), following which they completed measures of trait empathy and stigmatizing attitudes. As hypothesized, lower empathy and higher stigmatizing attitudes predicted noun label usage, and violent depictions of a person with schizophrenia increased the use of noun label headlines. In Study 2, with 313 undergraduate participants, we replicated the effect of violence on noun label headline usage and demonstrated that dehumanization mediates this relationship. Several implications of these findings are discussed.
https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000127
https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000127
Research Interests: Stigma and Noun Phrase
The aim of this research was to examine kindergarten to 12th grade teachers‟ (N = 257) perceptions of school kindness. Teachers were asked to define kindness, provide examples of kindness they had done and received, identify key agents of... more
The aim of this research was to examine kindergarten to 12th grade teachers‟ (N = 257) perceptions of school kindness. Teachers were asked to define kindness, provide examples of kindness they had done and received, identify key agents of kindness, and rate the quality of kind acts within their schools. Findings indicate that teachers define and enact kindness in comparable ways, that most teachers believe they have a strong to moderate influence on shaping students‟ kindness, and that teachers‟ perceptions of school kindness varies as a function of the grade they taught.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0829573517732202
https://doi.org/10.1177/0829573517732202
Research Interests:
This paper (a) makes the argument for conceiving Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), when applied to the enhancement of well-being, as a positive psychological inter- vention, and (b) supports this view by reviewing evidence for... more
This paper (a) makes the argument for conceiving Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), when applied to the enhancement of well-being, as a positive psychological inter- vention, and (b) supports this view by reviewing evidence for ACT’s impact on university student well-being. Searches of the literature identified five randomized experiments that measured improvements in university student well-being as a function of ACT interven- tions relative to control conditions. A meta-analysis revealed a significant, small pooled effect size on well-being (d = 0.29), providing initial evidence of ACT’s role as a positive psychological intervention among university students. Strengths and limitations of the extant literature are discussed, as are implications of, and future directions for, this area of study. It is concluded that research, theory, and application within well-being scholarship may be facilitated by recognizing ACT’s application to the enhancement of well-being.
https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000127
https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000127
Research Interests:
Wellbeing is predictive of improved learning outcomes, better mental health, prosocial and civic behavior, higher work productivity, and enhanced life satisfaction. Given that literature in support of wellbeing is robust, it is incumbent... more
Wellbeing is predictive of improved learning outcomes, better mental health, prosocial and civic behavior, higher work productivity, and enhanced life satisfaction. Given that literature in support of wellbeing is robust, it is incumbent on local communities to put this research into practice and develop culturally-competent programs that promote the skills to increase it. In collaboration with Alnowair, a non-profit organization committed to increas- ing wellbeing in Kuwait, a semester-long positive psychology program, called Bareec, was designed to generate positive emotions and increase levels of flourishing in university and secondary school students. The Bareec program consisted of 15-min weekly instructions in positive psychology and positive psychology interventions. To test the program’s efficacy, Bareec was implemented in the national public university and in 10 secondary schools (total N = 977). Relative to control groups, Bareec university participants showed greater levels of flourishing (eudaimonic wellbeing; d = .32), while secondary school partici- pants showed enhanced positive affect (hedonic wellbeing; d = .27) in addition to a small improvement in flourishing (d = .15).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-018-1987-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-018-1987-z
Research Interests:
Background: Increasingly colleges and universities are offering canine therapy to help students de-stress as a means of supporting students’ emotional health and mental well-being. Despite the popularity of such programs, there remains a... more
Background: Increasingly colleges and universities are offering canine therapy to help students de-stress as a means of supporting students’ emotional health and mental well-being. Despite the popularity of such programs, there remains a dearth of research attesting to their benefits. Aims: Participants included 1960 students at a mid-size western Canadian University. The study’s aims were to assess the stress-reducing effects of a weekly drop-in, canine-therapy program and to identify how long participants spent with therapy canines to reduce their stress. Methods: Demographic information was gathered, length of visit documented and a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess entry and exit self-reports of stress. Results: Participants’ self-reported stress levels were significantly lower after the canine therapy intervention. Participants spent an average of 35 min per session. Conclusions: This study supports the use of drop-in, canine therapy as a means of reducing university students’ stress. The findings hold applied significance for both counseling and animal therapy practitioners regarding the dose intervention participants seek to reduce their stress.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2017.1417551
https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2017.1417551
Research Interests:
Connecting with nature has been described by some as an important psychological need. Indeed, research shows that a strong connec- tion to nature predicts flourishing across a wide range of well-being indices. Engaging with natural beauty... more
Connecting with nature has been described by some as an important psychological need. Indeed, research shows that a strong connec- tion to nature predicts flourishing across a wide range of well-being indices. Engaging with natural beauty may be one route by which people satisfy this presumed need to connect with nature. Based on this reasoning, the purpose of the current research was to investi- gate whether nature connectedness mediates the relationship be- tween engagement with natural beauty (i.e., the tendency to notice and be moved by beauty in nature) and well-being in three different cultures. Four cross-sectional surveys involving Canadian, Japanese, and Russian undergraduate students were conducted (N = 1,390). Engagement with natural beauty and nature connectedness were positively associated with a variety of well-being measures. More- over, we found relatively consistent support for the indirect effect of nature connectedness in explaining the relationship between en- gagement with natural beauty and well-being. This finding replicated across five different measures and indices of well-being, two different measures of nature connectedness, and three different cultures. Overall, this research suggests that engaging with natural beauty may have an impact on well-being by promoting a stronger subjec- tive connection with nature.
Research Interests:
From the increasing number of people living in urban areas to the continued degradation of the natural environment, many of us appear to be physically and psychologically disconnected from nature. We consider the theoretical explanations... more
From the increasing number of people living in urban areas to the continued degradation of the natural environment, many of us appear to be physically and psychologically disconnected from nature. We consider the theoretical explanations and present evidence for why this state of affairs might result in suboptimal levels of hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing by reviewing the large body of research on the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. The advantages of contact with nature as a potential wellbeing intervention are discussed, and examples of how this research is being applied to reconnect individuals to nature and improve wellbeing are given. We conclude by considering the limitations of, and proposing future directions for, research in this area. Overall, evidence suggests that connecting with nature is one path to flourishing in life.
https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.1
https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.1
Research Interests:
Two studies with 230 and 363 Canadian undergraduate students tested the relationship between incremental theories of well-being (i.e., beliefs regarding the malleability of well-being) and a positive mental outlook. In Study 1,... more
Two studies with 230 and 363 Canadian undergraduate students tested the relationship between incremental theories of well-being (i.e., beliefs regarding the malleability of well-being) and a positive mental outlook. In Study 1, incremental theories of well-being were associated with Prioritizing Positivity (purposely incorporating pleasant activities into one’s daily routine) and showed a positive relationship with several other indicators of positive mental functioning (e.g., intrinsic motivation, eudaimonic motivation). In Study 2, incremental theories of well-being were associated with Positivity (viewing life and experiences with a positive outlook) and were positively correlated with additional indicators of positive mental functioning (e.g., harmony in life, self-compassion). In both studies, the relationship between incremental theories of well-being and both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being held true across different measures. A synthesis of major results using a Bayesian meta-analytic procedure suggested a moderate association between an incremental well-being mindset and well-being. Results of these studies help to situate incremental views toward well-being within a broad positivity framework, and to expand the nomological web of correlates of implicit theories of well-being.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9934-2
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9934-2
Research Interests:
Lay theories are everyday explanations and attributions given for psychological phenomena. They are important because they affect people's behaviours and cognitions. Lay theories have typically been studied using interviews and surveys... more
Lay theories are everyday explanations and attributions given for psychological phenomena. They are important because they affect people's behaviours and cognitions. Lay theories have typically been studied using interviews and surveys of individuals. We describe a pilot study that employed a new, community-based, methodology that we used to explore children's and adolescents' lay theories of happiness. We collected 802 responses to the phrase “I feel happy when ______” which was stencilled repeatedly on large walls we called Walls of Well-Being (WOWs) installed in a kindergarten-elementary school and a junior-high school. An interpretive, grounded theory approach for coding these qualitative data was used. Five main themes emerged in the children/adolescents’ responses: Activities, Relationships, Other Oriented, Personal Feelings, and Receiving. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences in the prevalence of response themes between the two schools demonstrating that the WOWs are sensitive to community differences. Advantages and disadvantages of the WOWs methodology are discussed as well as suggestions for mitigating disadvantages in future studies utilizing WOWs. This new method holds promise as an assessment tool that could be applied across a wide range of psychological phenomena (e.g., gratitude and hope) and environments (e.g., hospitals and businesses).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-017-0008-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-017-0008-9
Research Interests:
Awe is a feeling of wonder and amazement in response to experiencing something so vast that it transcends the one’s current frames of reference. Across three experiments (N=557), we tested the inhibition effect of awe on aggression. We... more
Awe is a feeling of wonder and amazement in response to experiencing something so vast that it transcends the one’s current frames of reference. Across three experiments (N=557), we tested the inhibition effect of awe on aggression. We used a narrative recall task paradigm (Study 1 and 2) and a video (Study 3) to induce the emotion of awe. After inducing awe, we first examined participants’ emotion and the sense of “small self” and then the manifestation of aggressiveness in a Shooting Game (Study 1), Tangram Help/Hurt Task (Study 2 and 3) and Aggression-IAT (Study 3), respectively. Results indicated that awe reduced aggression, and increased prosociality and a sense of small self relative to neutral affect and positive emotions of happiness and amusement. Mediation analysis evidenced mixed support for a sense of small self mediating the effect of awe on aggression and prosociality.
https://doi.org/10.1017/prp.2016.8
https://doi.org/10.1017/prp.2016.8
Research Interests:
The aim of this research was to examine kindergarten to 12th grade teachers’ (N = 257) perceptions of school kindness. Teachers were asked to define kindness, provide examples of kindness they had done and received, identify key agents... more
The aim of this research was to examine kindergarten to 12th grade teachers’ (N = 257) perceptions of school kindness. Teachers were asked to define kindness, provide examples of kindness they had done and received, identify key agents of kindness, and rate the quality of kind acts done within their schools. Findings indicate that subtle differences emerged in the themes found in teachers’ definitions and examples of kindness, that most teachers believed they had a strong to moderate influence on shaping students’ kindness, and that teachers’ perceptions of school kindness varied as a function of the grade they teach.
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1137976
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1137976
Research Interests:
We examined the effects of a two-week nature-based well-being intervention. Undergraduates (N = 395) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: nature, human-built, or a business-as-usual control. Participants paid attention to... more
We examined the effects of a two-week nature-based well-being intervention. Undergraduates (N = 395) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: nature, human-built, or a business-as-usual control. Participants paid attention to how nature (or human-built objects, depending on assignment) in their everyday surroundings made them feel, photographed the objects/scenes that evoked emotion in them, and provided a description of emotions evoked. Post-intervention levels of net-positive affect, elevating experiences, a general sense of connectedness (to other people, to nature, and to life as a whole), and prosocial orientation were significantly higher in the nature group compared to the human-built and control groups. Trait levels of nature connectedness and engagement with beauty did not moderate nature's beneficial impact on well-being. Qualitative findings revealed significant differences in the emotional themes evoked by nature versus human-built objects/scenes. This research provides important empirical support for nature involvement as an effective positive psychology intervention.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1221126
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1221126
Research Interests:
Transitioning from high school to university can prove to be a formidable challenge for many first-year students, with many experiencing homesickness. Given that students who experience homesickness are more likely than their... more
Transitioning from high school to university can prove to be a formidable challenge for many first-year students, with many experiencing homesickness. Given that students who experience homesickness are more likely than their non-homesick cohorts to drop out of university (Burt, 1993), universities have a vested interest in supporting students during their first-year transition. Programs that provide opportunities for human-animal interactions on campus are gaining popularity as one way of increasing students' well-being. The current study examined the effects of an eight-week animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program on first-year university students’ well-being. An initial feasibility study (N = 86) was conducted that provided opportunities for students to interact, in small groups, with trained therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers. Results indicated that this program reduced participants' levels of homesickness and increased their satisfaction with life. An experimental study was then conducted utilizing a similar eight-week group AAT program. Participants (N = 42) were randomly assigned to either the AAT treatment condition or to a control condition. At the end of the eight weeks, participants in the AAT program reported greater reductions in homesickness and greater increases in satisfaction with life than did those in the control condition. From beginning to end of the program, participants in the treatment group evidenced reductions in homesickness, and increases in satisfaction with life and connectedness to campus over the course of the program; while participants in the control evidenced an increase in homesickness and no changes in satisfaction with life and connectedness to campus. Results of both the feasibility study and the experimental study support the use of AAT programs to increase the well-being of first-year university students experiencing homesickness.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2016.1181364
https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2016.1181364
Research Interests:
The current studies investigated whether beliefs concerning the malleability or immutability of well-being (i.e., incremental and entity implicit theories of well-being, respectively) are predictive of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being... more
The current studies investigated whether beliefs concerning the malleability or immutability of well-being (i.e., incremental and entity implicit theories of well-being, respectively) are predictive of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being and of the endorsement of activities conducive to well-being. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that, relative to entity theory endorsement, the endorsement of an incremental theory of well-being predicted greater hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Moreover, regression analyses showed that these associations remained when including scores on measures of socially desirable responding, implicit theories of ability, and related variables of striving for personal growth, hope, and character strengths usage. Study 3 showed that greater endorsement of an incremental theory of well-being predicts greater perceived utility of well-being activities. Study 4 showed that an experimentally-induced incremental theory of well-being caused greater endorsement of well-being activities than an experimentally-induced entity theory of well-being. These findings suggest that amenability toward, and responsiveness to, existing well-being interventions may be fostered by an incremental theory of well-being. Furthermore, they suggest that cultivating an incremental mindset regarding well-being may facilitate adaptive functioning and, thereby, serve as a well-being intervention.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9697-6z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9697-6z
Research Interests:
The scientific study of well-being has been strongly influenced by ideas from a number of related fields, including different areas of psychology. Two major philosophical traditions—hedonia and eudaimonia—underscore much of our current... more
The scientific study of well-being has been strongly influenced by ideas from a number of related fields, including different areas of psychology. Two major philosophical traditions—hedonia and eudaimonia—underscore much of our current understanding of well-being, and are reflected across early and contemporary psychological theories of well-being. These traditions help delineate the various conceptualizations of well-being and its components; moreover, these traditions influence which research questions are asked, and where and how answers are sought. This has resulted in a plethora of categories and terms referring to similar, yet distinct, concepts such as: well-being, happiness, optimal or positive experiences, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Given the difficulties of distinguishing these concepts, this paper aims to provide clarity by delineating the major orientations in positive psychology. We provide a “road-map” to theories and models of well-being found within positive psychology, thereby providing a starting a point from which an integrative framework of theories and models of well-being can be developed. To that end, also included in this review is a selection of well-being models that lie beyond the traditional frameworks. We conclude with a consideration of several criticisms that have been directed at positive psychology, and provide recommendations for future directions.
https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000033
https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000033
Research Interests:
Given experimental evidence of enhancement of well-being as a result of brief exposure to nature, we sought to study the effect of ongoing nature involvement on well-being. Undergraduate participants (N = 84) were randomly assigned to... more
Given experimental evidence of enhancement of well-being as a result of brief exposure to nature, we sought to study the effect of ongoing nature involvement on well-being. Undergraduate participants (N = 84) were randomly assigned to either a nature intervention condition or a control condition. Results indicated that, at the end of two-weeks, net-positive affect and feelings of elevation were significantly higher, and meaning was marginally higher, in the nature intervention condition relative to the control condition. Self-concordant motivation was also higher for the nature condition, suggesting that the nature intervention was perceived as intrinsically pleasant. Levels of trait connectedness to nature did not moderate the impact of the nature intervention on well-being, suggesting that nature involvement is beneficial among a variety of individuals. High levels of nature involvement were voluntarily sustained throughout the two-weeks of the study. For the most part, participants engaged in simple activities involving nature close to home, indicating that drastic life changes need not be made in order to improve positive functioning and feelings. This research provides important empirical groundwork for future research concerning daily nature involvement as an effective positive psychology intervention.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/eco.2014.0023
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/eco.2014.0023
Research Interests:
Numerous scholars have explored the notion that our relationship with nature is essential to our well-being, and some have suggested that we have an evolved inclination to affiliate with nature. A substantial body of research supports... more
Numerous scholars have explored the notion that our relationship with nature is essential to our well-being, and some have suggested that we have an evolved inclination to affiliate with nature. A substantial body of research supports these hypotheses, and demonstrates both the restorative and additive capacity of affiliating with nature. This paper posits that experiences with the natural environment play a fundamentally important role in addressing the six existential anxieties of identity, happiness, isolation, meaning in life, freedom, and death—a perspective that we call Eco-Existential Positive Psychology. Moreover, we propose that affiliating with nature affords us the opportunity to be fully flourishing human beings. This paper provides supporting evidence for Eco-Existential Positive Psychology via an interdisciplinary literature review.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08873267.2014.920335
https://doi.org/10.1080/08873267.2014.920335
Research Interests:
Wilson’s (1984) biophilia hypothesis predicts that people’s psychological health is associated with their relationship to nature. Two studies examined associations among nature connectedness, well-being, and mindfulness in samples of... more
Wilson’s (1984) biophilia hypothesis predicts that people’s psychological health is associated with their relationship to nature. Two studies examined associations among nature connectedness, well-being, and mindfulness in samples of undergraduate students while socially desirable responding was controlled. Significant associations emerged among measures of nature connectedness and indices of wellbeing (in Study 1 and Study 2) and mindfulness (in Study 2). Results are discussed in relation to possible mediators and moderators of the association between nature connectedness and mental health.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2011.03.037
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2011.03.037
Research Interests:
Research has established nature connectedness as a reliable correlate of well-being. In the current research, we examined whether meaning in life mediated the association between nature connectedness and well-being. In Study 1, 311... more
Research has established nature connectedness as a reliable correlate of well-being. In the current research, we examined whether meaning in life mediated the association between nature connectedness and well-being. In Study 1, 311 undergraduates completed multiple measures of nature connectedness, multiple measures of meaning in life, and multiple measures of well-being. Mediational analyses revealed that meaning in life fully mediated the association between nature connectedness and well-being. In Study 2, we examined whether mediation of the association between nature connectedness and well-being by meaning in life could be demonstrated alongside a previously documented mediation of the association between religiousness and well-being by meaning in life. Undergraduates (N = 227) completed measures of nature connectedness, religiousness, meaning in life, and well-being. Mediational analyses revealed that meaning in life fully mediated both the association between nature connectedness and well-being and the association between religiousness and well-being.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9403-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9403-x
Research Interests:
An indigenous positive psychology that addresses the human development needs of Emirati and expatriate residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proposed. A positive psychology approach leverages inherent, yet often neglected,... more
An indigenous positive psychology that addresses the human development needs of Emirati and expatriate residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proposed. A positive psychology approach leverages inherent, yet often neglected, social, cultural, and religious strengths to mobilize growth. Yet, psychology practitioners and researchers frequently focus on ill-being and weakness. Further, many psychology practitioners are non-Emiratis who tend to employ traditional psychological models from the West, which are perhaps incongruous to the UAE context; hence our call for an indigenous positive psychology. Psychological models rooted in Western notions of secular individualism run contrary to the UAE’s collectivistic and non-secular orientations. Moreover, focusing on the negatives, avoiding religion, and endorsing Western ideals of normality (disguised though they may be), can harm the psychological fabric of the UAE population. Although the field of psychology is expanding, a vision for practice and research is imperative; thus, the introduction of a framework for the development of an indigenous positive psychology that supports culturally appropriate strengths is relevant and timely. To do so, the tenets of positive psychology are reviewed, and steps necessary for the development of an indigenous version are proposed with the aim of facilitating the growth of the nation.
https://middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/24
https://middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/24
Research Interests:
A focus on wellbeing and happiness in social discourse has necessarily raised questions about how to appropriately measure and manage wellbeing, and about the validity of reported subjective experiences. Historically, objective mea- sures... more
A focus on wellbeing and happiness in social discourse has necessarily raised questions about how to appropriately measure and manage wellbeing, and about the validity of reported subjective experiences. Historically, objective mea- sures have monopolized the arena of wellbeing, as it was believed that a single measure, like GDP, income, education, or crime rates accurately reflected a state of psychosocial prosperity in nations. More recently, a sole reliance on such indicators is increasingly being discouraged. Governments are urged to consider wellbeing and happiness a public good and not a private individual matter. In this chapter we discuss why it is important to measure the subjective aspects of wellbeing and how a theoretical orientation can help in this regard. We propose tools to develop a dashboard and present a number of best practise recommendations gleaned from the empirical literature. While we target recommendations at government bodies, we encourage corporations, organizations, educational institutions, and health care providers to follow suit and include the collection of wellbeing data in their efforts.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13921-6_10
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13921-6_10
Research Interests:
Western culture has developed an obsession with happiness. At first glance, the premium placed on happiness seems warranted given that a large body of research has highlighted its benefits. Yet, emerging lines of research suggest that the... more
Western culture has developed an obsession with happiness. At first glance, the premium placed on happiness seems warranted given that a large body of research has highlighted its benefits. Yet, emerging lines of research suggest that the outcomes of being happy are very different from the outcomes of seeking to be happy. Whereas the former is often linked to, and in some cases even causes, posi- tive outcomes, the latter seems to do the opposite. This chapter first reviews research examining the negative effects of pursuing happiness at the individual level. We then highlight a number of important differences between Western and Eastern notions of happiness while also considering how these notions are beginning to change. Next, we examine the consequences stemming from valuing happiness at the societal level. We discuss prominent cultural emotion norms tied to happiness and the implications that these norms have for individual emotional functioning. Throughout, we note that the downsides of pursuing happiness may spread to other Eastern societies, such as the Middle East/North Africa region, through increased exposure to Western values, norms, and practices via globalization. Lastly, we highlight a number of important social determinants of happiness that can inform governments in their mandate to boost the happiness, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing of their citizens.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13921-6_16
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13921-6_16
Research Interests:
Using a positive psychological framework, the current chapter reviews in vivo experiences in nature and their impact on well-being. Twelve studies met our criteria of being randomized controlled trials, involving a minimum duration of... more
Using a positive psychological framework, the current chapter reviews in vivo experiences in nature and their impact on well-being. Twelve studies met our criteria of being randomized controlled trials, involving a minimum duration of time in nature of 10 minutes, and employing a measure of hedonic or eudaimonic well-being. Across the narratively reviewed studies, a significantly higher degree of well-being was found among those in the nature conditions relative to those in control conditions on 73% and 57% of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being assessments, respectively. Effect sizes ranged from d = 0.25 to 1.48, with hedonic aspects of well-being yielding larger effect sizes than eudaimonic aspects of well-being. The studies reviewed lend support for nature-based positive psychology interventions and their ability to enhance both eudaimonic and hedonic forms of well-being. Choosing to spend time in nature as a form of well-being practice could have far-reaching implications, perhaps especially if such interventions are designed to also enhance an individual’s sense of nature connectedness.
https://www.routledge.com/Nature-and-Health-Physical-Activity-in-Nature/Brymer-Rogerson-Barton/p/book/9780367723323
https://www.routledge.com/Nature-and-Health-Physical-Activity-in-Nature/Brymer-Rogerson-Barton/p/book/9780367723323
Research Interests:
In essence, this chapter discusses how green exercise fits within a movement towards both a greener and a more connected society. We review the literature on green exercise, physical activity in “green” or natural surroundings.... more
In essence, this chapter discusses how green exercise fits within a movement towards both a greener and a more connected society. We review the literature on green exercise, physical activity in “green” or natural surroundings. Situating this within broader psychological and philosophical frameworks underpinning the human relationship with nature, we present both qualitative and quantitative-experimental studies from the social sciences on green exercise. Overall, we found support for the existence of well-being benefits, both mental and physical, that result from exercising in nature. Indeed, our review revealed a host of synergistic health benefits arising from green exercise suggesting that together, physical activity and nature, are more than the sum of their parts. Evidence is also presented which supports a call for green exercise to be integrated into the field of medicine. Recommendations for future research are proposed.
https://www.routledge.com/Nature-and-Health-Physical-Activity-in-Nature/Brymer-Rogerson-Barton/p/book/9780367723323
https://www.routledge.com/Nature-and-Health-Physical-Activity-in-Nature/Brymer-Rogerson-Barton/p/book/9780367723323
Research Interests: Nature and Green Exercise
The struggle for existence, the flourishing of life even in harsh conditions, and the cycle of life—death—life-born-anew are salient features of the natural environment that provide us with symbols of transcendent immortality and hope... more
The struggle for existence, the flourishing of life even in harsh conditions, and the cycle of life—death—life-born-anew are salient features of the natural environment that provide us with symbols of transcendent immortality and hope which we can identity with and find solace in. Feeling connected with, and appreciating, the natural world is an an important source of hope. Numerous writers and scholars have espoused a crucial role for experiences in nature in the cultivation of hope. There are additional, theoretically-based, reasons for expecting an association between affiliating with nature and experiencing hope. Our research supports these ideas of a connection between nature and hope. Experiences in nature appear to not only cause an increase in hope directly, they may also cause an increase in hope by boosting our emotions and our sense of meaning in life.
Research Interests:
It has been over 25 years since E.O. Wilson (Biophilia, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1984) wrote Biophilia, in which we argued for an evolved inclination among humans to affiliate with nature. Psychologists have examined both... more
It has been over 25 years since E.O. Wilson (Biophilia, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 1984) wrote Biophilia, in which we argued for an evolved inclination among humans to affiliate with nature. Psychologists have examined both restorative and additive effects of nature-related experiences on health and well-being. We review correlational and experimental studies showing associations between nature affiliation (or nature immersion) and positive markers of mental health. The research evidence converges on the conclusion that nature involvement is good for us. We discuss future lines of research concerning mediators and moderators of the relationship between nature and well-being., the role of technologically-mediated nature experiences, and the development of nature-related interventions aimed at boosting well-being.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5195-8_11
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5195-8_11
Research Interests:
One of our colleagues posted an offi ce whiteboard question, “What do you want your child to be?”, and noted the complete absence of answers such as “not depressed or anxious”; not a single parent wrote “not a drug addict”. We hope for... more
One of our colleagues posted an offi ce whiteboard question, “What do you want your child to be?”, and noted the complete absence of answers such as “not depressed or anxious”; not a single parent wrote “not a drug addict”. We hope for positive futures for our children, not futures absent of negatives . No one will argue that avoidance of problems, such as substance abuse, suicide, or juvenile delinquency, is undesirable or unimportant. While we can say that “the kids are alright” because “at least 80 % of youth in a typical year remain free of mental disorder” (Keyes 2009 , p. 9), this begs a number of questions: Is alright an adequate goal for our children’s well-being? Does alright really equate to being mentally healthy?
The benchmarks for mental health that we outline in this chapter are positive, going beyond the absence of problems. In the past, research has focused on the measurement and reporting of negative indicators, such as the avoidance of sub- stance abuse and delinquency (Gillham et al. 2002 ; Moore and Keyes 2003 ). This pathology or defi cit model has been the traditional and predominant approach to studying how children develop (Halle 2003 ; Roberts et al. 2002 ), and a similar defi cit framework has been dominant in the fi elds of early-childhood and youth development (Lerner 2009 ; VanderVen 2008 ). However, with the new millennium came an increased focus upon positive indicators of youth well-being, as the following two examples attest.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6398-2_5
The benchmarks for mental health that we outline in this chapter are positive, going beyond the absence of problems. In the past, research has focused on the measurement and reporting of negative indicators, such as the avoidance of sub- stance abuse and delinquency (Gillham et al. 2002 ; Moore and Keyes 2003 ). This pathology or defi cit model has been the traditional and predominant approach to studying how children develop (Halle 2003 ; Roberts et al. 2002 ), and a similar defi cit framework has been dominant in the fi elds of early-childhood and youth development (Lerner 2009 ; VanderVen 2008 ). However, with the new millennium came an increased focus upon positive indicators of youth well-being, as the following two examples attest.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6398-2_5
Research Interests:
The number of publications pertaining to video gaming and its effects on subsequent behavior has more than tripled from the past to the current decade. This surge of research parallels the ubiquitousness of video game play in everyday... more
The number of publications pertaining to video gaming and its effects on subsequent behavior has more than tripled from the past to the current decade. This surge of research parallels the ubiquitousness of video game play in everyday life, and the increasing concern of parents, educators, and the public regarding possible deleterious effects of gaming. Numerous studies have now investigated this concern. Recently, research has also begun to explore the possible benefits of gaming, in particular, increasing prosocial behaviour. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the research literature examining the effects of video game playing on prosocial behaviour.
Within this literature, a variety of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies have been adopted. For example, many researchers invoke the General Learning Model to explain the mechanisms by which video games may influence behaviour. Other researchers refer to frameworks involving moral education, character education, and care ethics in their examination of the relationship between gaming and prosocial development. Diverse parameters have been explored in these studies. For example, different studies have assessed both the immediate and delayed impacts of gaming, and investigated the effects of different durations of video game playing. Additionally, based on each study’s operational definitions of “aggressive behaviour” and “prosocial behaviour”, a variety of behaviours have been assessed and different measures have been employed. For instance, studies have used self-report measures of empathy, the character strengths of generosity and kindness, and the level of civic engagement; word-completion and story completion tasks, in addition to tit-for-tat social situation games such as “Prisoners' Dilemma”, have also been used. These studies have examined changes in both aggressive and prosocial behaviours.
“Video games” collectively span a wide spectrum of content, contexts, and player engagement modalities. Therefore, researchers have focused on different aspects of video games and on different aspects of the context or structure within which the games are played. Competitive versus cooperative games have been studied, as have antisocial versus prosocial games; additionally, combinations of these facets (e.g., games that use violent or antisocial methods to achieve prosocial goals) have been studied. The effects of solo game playing versus co-playing with a parent or another research participant have also been studied.
A cross-section of the variety of perspectives, methodologies, findings and foci of research within the study of video game playing and prosocial behaviour is included in this literature review. Despite the wide array of research approaches and questions, gaps exist within the video game—prosocial behaviour literature. This is not surprising given that this is a relatively new domain of research. We conclude the chapter, therefore, by proposing future research questions and directions with which to address this gap in our knowledge.
Within this literature, a variety of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies have been adopted. For example, many researchers invoke the General Learning Model to explain the mechanisms by which video games may influence behaviour. Other researchers refer to frameworks involving moral education, character education, and care ethics in their examination of the relationship between gaming and prosocial development. Diverse parameters have been explored in these studies. For example, different studies have assessed both the immediate and delayed impacts of gaming, and investigated the effects of different durations of video game playing. Additionally, based on each study’s operational definitions of “aggressive behaviour” and “prosocial behaviour”, a variety of behaviours have been assessed and different measures have been employed. For instance, studies have used self-report measures of empathy, the character strengths of generosity and kindness, and the level of civic engagement; word-completion and story completion tasks, in addition to tit-for-tat social situation games such as “Prisoners' Dilemma”, have also been used. These studies have examined changes in both aggressive and prosocial behaviours.
“Video games” collectively span a wide spectrum of content, contexts, and player engagement modalities. Therefore, researchers have focused on different aspects of video games and on different aspects of the context or structure within which the games are played. Competitive versus cooperative games have been studied, as have antisocial versus prosocial games; additionally, combinations of these facets (e.g., games that use violent or antisocial methods to achieve prosocial goals) have been studied. The effects of solo game playing versus co-playing with a parent or another research participant have also been studied.
A cross-section of the variety of perspectives, methodologies, findings and foci of research within the study of video game playing and prosocial behaviour is included in this literature review. Despite the wide array of research approaches and questions, gaps exist within the video game—prosocial behaviour literature. This is not surprising given that this is a relatively new domain of research. We conclude the chapter, therefore, by proposing future research questions and directions with which to address this gap in our knowledge.
Research Interests:
Wilson’s (1984) biophilia hypothesis predicts that people’s psychological health is associated with their relationship to nature. Two studies examined associations among nature connectedness, well-being, and mindfulness in samples of... more
Wilson’s (1984) biophilia hypothesis predicts that people’s psychological health is associated with their relationship to nature. Two studies examined associations among nature connectedness, well-being, and mindfulness in samples of undergraduate students while socially desirable responding was controlled. Significant associations emerged among measures of nature connectedness and indices of well-being (in Study 1 and Study 2) and mindfulness (in Study 2). Results are discussed in relation to possible mediators and moderators of the association between nature connectedness and mental health.
Research Interests:
Human bodies and minds evolved together—simultaneously and interdependently. Therefore, if nature provides for our physical health and well-being, it follows that nature also provides for our mental health and well-being. Psychologists... more
Human bodies and minds evolved together—simultaneously and interdependently. Therefore, if nature provides for our physical health and well-being, it follows that nature also provides for our mental health and well-being. Psychologists have begun to recognize the impact that exposure to nature has on many aspects of our mental health and well-being; and a substantial body of supporting research and empirical data has accumulated. Nature’s beneficial effects on individuals’ mental health have been shown to extend beyond a mere restoration to baseline after negative periods of stress, anxiety, or depression. Nature’s beneficial effects extend to positively increasing true mental health and well-being, to elevating individuals beyond a neutral ―just getting by--level and into an additive state of thriving and flourishing.
This paper discusses highlights from the ever-increasing body of research findings and empirical data evidencing the positive and additive effects that nature has on our mental health and well-being. Included in this discussion are findings from a recent series of studies conducted at Grant MacEwan University that this author was involved in. The research summarized in this paper demonstrates that our relationship with nature is vital to our mental health and well-being.
This paper discusses highlights from the ever-increasing body of research findings and empirical data evidencing the positive and additive effects that nature has on our mental health and well-being. Included in this discussion are findings from a recent series of studies conducted at Grant MacEwan University that this author was involved in. The research summarized in this paper demonstrates that our relationship with nature is vital to our mental health and well-being.
Research Interests:
(Poster presented at the Third World Congress on Positive Psychology, Los Angeles, 2013). Kellert (1997) speculated that involvement with nature may satisfy needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness - the very needs underscored in... more
(Poster presented at the Third World Congress on Positive Psychology, Los Angeles, 2013). Kellert (1997) speculated that involvement with nature may satisfy needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness - the very needs underscored in Self-Determination Theory as being key to optimal human functioning (Deci & Ryan, 2000). We sought to examine the pattern of relationships between the three SDT needs, nature affiliation, and well-being. A sample of 236 undergraduate students completed self-report measures of each of these variables. Significant, positive correlations were found between nature affiliation, self-determination, autonomy, competence, relatedness, and well-being. Structural equation modelling supported a model wherein self-determined functioning mediated the relationship between nature affiliation and well-being.
Research Interests:
(Poster presented at Third World Congress on Positive Psychology, Los Angeles, 2013). The tendency for us to search for and find meaning in life, our tendency to affiliate with nature, and our propensity towards spirituality have all been... more
(Poster presented at Third World Congress on Positive Psychology, Los Angeles, 2013). The tendency for us to search for and find meaning in life, our tendency to affiliate with nature, and our propensity towards spirituality have all been described as essential needs. It is natural, therefore, to suggest that these fundamental motivations are intertwined. In the current research, we sought to examine these interrelationships simultaneously. In Studies 1a (N = 286) and 1b (N = 336), undergraduates completed self-report measures of nature affiliation, meaning in life, spirituality, and well-being. Significant, positive correlations were found between all variables. Structural equation modelling indicated support for a model wherein nature and spirituality each have a relationship with well-being that is mediated by meaning in life.
Research Interests:
(Poster presented at CPA Halifax, June 2012) The tendency for us to search for and find meaning in life, our tendency to affiliate with nature, and our propensity towards spirituality have all been described as essential needs or... more
(Poster presented at CPA Halifax, June 2012)
The tendency for us to search for and find meaning in life, our tendency to affiliate with nature, and our propensity towards spirituality have all been described as essential needs or instinctual drives. It is natural, therefore, to suggest that these fundamental motivations are intertwined. In the current research, we sought to examine these interrelationships within a single study. A sample of 211 undergraduate students completed multiple self-report measures of each of these constructs. Significant, positive correlations were found between nature affiliation, well-being, meaning in life, and the transcendent aspect of spirituality. Findings are discussed with respect to
future research on the interrelationships between these constructs within a Self-Determination Theory framework.
The tendency for us to search for and find meaning in life, our tendency to affiliate with nature, and our propensity towards spirituality have all been described as essential needs or instinctual drives. It is natural, therefore, to suggest that these fundamental motivations are intertwined. In the current research, we sought to examine these interrelationships within a single study. A sample of 211 undergraduate students completed multiple self-report measures of each of these constructs. Significant, positive correlations were found between nature affiliation, well-being, meaning in life, and the transcendent aspect of spirituality. Findings are discussed with respect to
future research on the interrelationships between these constructs within a Self-Determination Theory framework.
Research Interests:
(Poster presented at Second World Congress on Positive Psychology, Philadelphia, 2011) Nature affiliation and meaning in life have each been shown to correlate with well-being. In Study 1, we tested the hypothesis that those who are... more
(Poster presented at Second World Congress on Positive Psychology, Philadelphia, 2011)
Nature affiliation and meaning in life have each been shown to correlate with well-being. In Study 1, we tested the hypothesis that those who are highly nature affiliated may derive a sense of meaningful existence from their closeness with nature, and that this in turn would predict greater well-being. A
sample of 311 undergraduate students completed multiple self-report measures of nature affiliation, meaning in life, and well-being. Structural equation modeling supported the hypothesis: meaning in life mediated the relationship between nature affiliation and well-being. These findings parallel those found previously for the relationship between religiosity and well-being (Byron & Miller-Perrin, 2009; Steger & Frazier, 2005). Therefore, in Study 2, we simultaneously examined whether the nature —meaning in life — well-being pattern would parallel that shown previously for religiousness — purpose in life —well-being. In Study 2, 436 undergraduate students completed self-report measures of nature affiliation, religiosity, meaning in life, and well-being. Structural equation modeling showed that meaning in life mediated relationships between nature affiliation and well-being, and between
religiosity and well-being. Findings are discussed with respect to future research incorporating broader spirituality measures in order to examine interrelationships among nature, spirituality, religion, meaning, and well-being.
Nature affiliation and meaning in life have each been shown to correlate with well-being. In Study 1, we tested the hypothesis that those who are highly nature affiliated may derive a sense of meaningful existence from their closeness with nature, and that this in turn would predict greater well-being. A
sample of 311 undergraduate students completed multiple self-report measures of nature affiliation, meaning in life, and well-being. Structural equation modeling supported the hypothesis: meaning in life mediated the relationship between nature affiliation and well-being. These findings parallel those found previously for the relationship between religiosity and well-being (Byron & Miller-Perrin, 2009; Steger & Frazier, 2005). Therefore, in Study 2, we simultaneously examined whether the nature —meaning in life — well-being pattern would parallel that shown previously for religiousness — purpose in life —well-being. In Study 2, 436 undergraduate students completed self-report measures of nature affiliation, religiosity, meaning in life, and well-being. Structural equation modeling showed that meaning in life mediated relationships between nature affiliation and well-being, and between
religiosity and well-being. Findings are discussed with respect to future research incorporating broader spirituality measures in order to examine interrelationships among nature, spirituality, religion, meaning, and well-being.
Research Interests:
In 1934, psychoanalyst Marion Milner wrote of her realization that what she was fundamentally striving for in life was “a sense of being alive” (p. 3). Echoing Milner, over half a century later, preeminent mythologist Joseph Campbell... more
In 1934, psychoanalyst Marion Milner wrote of her realization that what she was fundamentally striving for in life was “a sense of being alive” (p. 3). Echoing Milner, over half a century later, preeminent mythologist Joseph Campbell (1988) remarked, “People say that what we're all seeking is a meaning for life. I don't think that's what we're really seeking. I think that what we're seeking is an experience of being alive” (p.1). This paper explores how the sense and experience of “being alive” comprises the full range of human emotions. Three pathways to this experience are proposed, with support gleaned from diverse perspectives. Additionally, the relationship between our existential motivations to find meaning in life and to experience a sense of being fully alive is examined. Each experience of being alive is one individual pearl. Over the course of our lifetime, these pearls are strung together to make a necklace, that upon contemplation, we cognitively appraise as meaning in life. It is hoped that the ideas presented in this paper can be used as starting points for alternate methods to bolster the thread of meaning in people's lives, while creating pearls of the sense and experience of being alive.
Research Interests:
Several positive psychology interventions have been identified which boost well-being, with interventions including activities such as mindfulness meditation, expressing gratitude, and savouring positive experiences. These activities have... more
Several positive psychology interventions have been identified which boost well-being, with interventions including activities such as mindfulness meditation, expressing gratitude, and savouring positive experiences. These activities have been tested with randomized controlled experimental designs. Given that experimental research in other areas has shown short-term enhancement of positive functioning as a result of brief exposure to nature, we sought to examine the effect on well-being of ongoing nature involvement. Using an approach similar to that used in validating established positive psychology interventions, we examined whether increasing time spent in nature over a two-week period would boost well-being. Results indicated that compared to the control group, at the end of the two-week period, positive affect was significantly higher in the nature intervention group, as were feelings relating to elevation (e.g., inspired, enriched, deeply appreciating). This research provides important empirical groundwork for establishing daily nature involvement as an effective positive psychology intervention.
Research Interests:
Trees and flowers are often planted or shared by people as symbols of hope at times of joy and sorrow. Indeed, qualitative observations by numerous writers and scholars have highlighted a crucial role for experience in nature in the... more
Trees and flowers are often planted or shared by people as symbols of hope at times of joy and sorrow. Indeed, qualitative observations by numerous writers and scholars have highlighted a crucial role for experience in nature in the cultivation of hope. Hope is situated within the same domain of character strengths as meaning, spirituality, and gratitude. Empirical research in these domains has evidenced an association with nature connectedness. Therefore, based upon such observations and theory-based arguments, the current research examined the relationship between hope and nature connectedness. Two crosssectional studies examined, for the first time, whether hope is a significant correlate of a tendency to connect with the natural world. Undergraduate participants (Study 1a N = 80; Study 1b N = 322) completed measures of hope and nature connectedness; measures in the first study were state measures, whereas those in the second study were trait measures. Regression analysis (Study 1a) and structural equation modeling (Study 1b) consistently showed that hope-agency scores were significant predictors of nature connectedness. Implications of these findings for therapeutic practice will be bolstered through future research examining whether nature connectedness is indeed a cause of increased hope. A sampling of such possible implications are discussed.
Research Interests:
Human bodies and minds evolved together - simultaneously and interdependently. Therefore, if nature provides for our physical health and well-being, it follows that nature also provides for our mental health and well-being. Indeed, a... more
Human bodies and minds evolved together - simultaneously and interdependently. Therefore, if nature provides for our physical health and well-being, it follows that nature also provides for our mental health and well-being. Indeed, a substantial body of supporting evidence has accumulated demonstrating both the resotrative and additive effects of nature affiliation (or immersion) on our physical health and mental well-being. Based on a book chapter and several research studies which Holli-Anne Passmore and Dr. Andrew J. Howell collaborated on at Grant MacEwan University, this presentation will review studies showing associations between nature affiliation (or nature immersion) and positive markers of both physical and mental health.