- Oxford Library of Psychology
- The Oxford Handbook of Environmental and Conservation Psychology
- Dedication
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- About the Editor
- Contributors
- Introduction: Environmental and Conservation Psychology
- Foundations of an Ecological Approach to Psychology
- Environmental Perception: Wayfinding and Spatial Cognition
- Environmental Attitudes
- Environmental Values
- Justice and the Allocation of Natural Resources: Current Concepts and Future Directions
- Children and Nature
- Emotions and Environment
- Place Attachment
- Environment and Identity
- Cultural Differences in Environmental Engagement
- Cities
- Residential Places and Neighborhoods: Toward Healthy Life, Social Integration, and Reputable Residence
- Work Environments
- School Environments
- Health Care Environments
- Correctional Environments
- Natural Landscapes
- Extreme and Unusual Environments: Challenges and Responses
- Noise
- Response to Environmental Disasters
- Environmental Injustice, Collaborative Action, and the Inclusionary Shift
- Therapeutic Uses of Nature
- Restorative Environments
- Healthy Physical Activity and Eating: Environmental Supports for Health
- Environmental Epiphanies: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Applications
- The Natural Environment in Residential Settings: Influences on Human Health and Function
- The Development of Conservation Behaviors in Childhood and Youth
- Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior
- Protecting Natural Resources: Psychological and Contextual Determinants of Freshwater Conservation
- Collaborative Processes in Ecosystem Management
- Learning Our Way Out of Unsustainability: The Role of Environmental Education
- Psychology and Climate Change: Beliefs, Impacts, and Human Contributions
- Conclusions: Directions for the Future
- Index
Abstract and Keywords
Meaningful emotional experiences in nature are common occurrences, but are often overlooked in the study of human-nature interactions. A subset of these experiences, which we identify as environmental epiphanies, or experiences that shift the fundamental self-nature relationship, can have profound impacts on environmental values, attitudes, and behavior. In this chapter, we explore the concept of environmental epiphanies in the context of previous empirical research, practical applications, and potential for future research. We describe findings from an initial study of this phenomenon, suggesting links to existing literature as well as places to begin future studies. We specifically highlight land management applications and contend that results from environmental epiphany studies could have widespread practical applications as well as improve our current understanding of human-nature interactions.
Keywords: environmental epiphanies, environmentally responsible behavior, environmental values, emotional experiences in nature, human-nature interactions
Joanne Vining Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
Melinda S. Merrick Department of Geography and Environmental Studies Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL
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- Oxford Library of Psychology
- The Oxford Handbook of Environmental and Conservation Psychology
- Dedication
- Oxford Library of Psychology
- About the Editor
- Contributors
- Introduction: Environmental and Conservation Psychology
- Foundations of an Ecological Approach to Psychology
- Environmental Perception: Wayfinding and Spatial Cognition
- Environmental Attitudes
- Environmental Values
- Justice and the Allocation of Natural Resources: Current Concepts and Future Directions
- Children and Nature
- Emotions and Environment
- Place Attachment
- Environment and Identity
- Cultural Differences in Environmental Engagement
- Cities
- Residential Places and Neighborhoods: Toward Healthy Life, Social Integration, and Reputable Residence
- Work Environments
- School Environments
- Health Care Environments
- Correctional Environments
- Natural Landscapes
- Extreme and Unusual Environments: Challenges and Responses
- Noise
- Response to Environmental Disasters
- Environmental Injustice, Collaborative Action, and the Inclusionary Shift
- Therapeutic Uses of Nature
- Restorative Environments
- Healthy Physical Activity and Eating: Environmental Supports for Health
- Environmental Epiphanies: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Applications
- The Natural Environment in Residential Settings: Influences on Human Health and Function
- The Development of Conservation Behaviors in Childhood and Youth
- Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior
- Protecting Natural Resources: Psychological and Contextual Determinants of Freshwater Conservation
- Collaborative Processes in Ecosystem Management
- Learning Our Way Out of Unsustainability: The Role of Environmental Education
- Psychology and Climate Change: Beliefs, Impacts, and Human Contributions
- Conclusions: Directions for the Future
- Index
