Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Worsening impacts of climate and ecological change have led to a rise in eco‐distress and related psychological impacts of these crises. Interventions, including both nature‐based activities and contemplative practices, have been developed to help individuals experiencing eco‐distress. However, the integration of contemplation and nature engagement remains unexplored. In this study we explore how these two practices support adaptive outcomes concerning eco‐distress. We conducted 11 semi‐structured interviews and two workshops with teachers and leaders of contemplative nature engagement practices, to understand the practices and pathways linking practices to outcomes related to eco‐distress. Thematic analysis of interview data identified four key pathways to adaptive change: (1) restoration and reduced stress through presence; (2) facing and working with difficult emotions; (3) shifting and expanding self‐boundaries; and (4) strengthening values and commitments to action. These insights build on theoretical work in both contemplative studies and environmental psychology literature by proposing a layered and reciprocal set of mechanisms that build on and reinforce each other over time. Analysis of workshop data identified intervention design recommendations to inform the practical design and implementation of contemplative nature engagement practices for individuals experiencing eco‐distress. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Source: People and Nature
DOI: 10.1002/pan3.70172
Authors: Rose Macaulay, Cullan Joyce, Katherine A. Johnson, Dianne Vella‐Brodrick, Iain Walker, Kathryn J. H. Williams
Institution: The University of Melbourne
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,540
OpenAlex ID: W4414923814