Perceived benefits of nature-based experiences as mediators of connectedness with nature: the case of Mystic Mountain

Abstract

Perceived nature disconnection lies at the heart of the world’s socio-ecological crisis. Finding ways to reconnect with nature is fundamental towards reducing the adverse psychological–social–ecological consequences of this disconnection. Understanding the psychological and social benefits of nature-based experiences is important towards actualising reconnection. This article discusses such benefits for child and adult participants from the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This work stems from Ecopsychology research with an outdoor education centre, Mystic Mountain. The experiences of two groups of children (n = 25, aged 10–14 years) and adult instructors (n = 12, aged 18–50 years) were explored using interpretive case-study methodology. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, participant observation, and reflexive journaling, data were collected and analysed thematically. This article centralises participants’ perceived psychological and social benefits of nature-based experiences as mediators of deeper self and nature connectedness. Integrating these benefits into nature-based pedagogy-design processes could contribute towards more effective enhancements of nature connectedness, and in turn, foster Earth’s larger flourishment.