How do outdoor leaders feel connected to nature places? A Q-Method inquiry

Abstract

Abstract Outdoor leaders have an opportunity to promote and facilitate a bond with the out-of-doors, yet little research has been conducted to describe the evolving relationships between outdoor leaders and the natural environments with which they come into contact. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of outdoor leaders toward the ways they feel connected to nature places. The outdoor leaders (N=20) were undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff at a large university in the midwestern United States. These participants completed a Q sorting procedure that reflected their attitudes of connectedness to places in outdoor settings. Q sorting falls within the conceptual framework of Q methodology, a research strategy that explores and measures subjectivity. The results of the sorting procedure were analysed by correlating the sorts, factor analysis of the correlation, followed by rotation and z-score calculation of each statement for each factor. The results are described as a two factor solution reflecting two different views of outdoor leaders toward the ways they feel connected to places in nature and were named as; (1) Deep-spirit and (2) Nature-emotion. It has been theorised that cultivating personal relationships with nature can lead to a stronger environmental ethic and awareness (Abram, 1996; Borrie & Roggenbuck, 1996; Devall & Sessions, 1985; Dillard, 1998; Martin, 1994, 1995, 1999). It has been suggested that outdoor experiential programs can provide people with the time and the place to make personal connections to the natural world as well as shape environmental attitudes and beliefs (Hanna, 1995; Prudoe & Warder, 1981; Yoshino, 2005). Those who facilitate direct experiences in the out-of-doors are increasingly recognising the importance of place meanings because of their ability to capture the values people attach to outdoor settings and natural resources (Williams & Stewart, 1998). Outdoor leaders may be able to utilize place meanings more effectively by exploring their own perceptions of connectedness to nature places. Understanding human connections to place in nature is not an easy task given the diversity of interpretations and meanings associated with words 'nature' and 'places.' Nature is a complex and multifaceted concept (Marshall, 1992). For the purposes of this study, nature may best represent settings in the out-of-doors, where participants chose to work and recreate that were beyond the perceived realm of human influence. In the literature, place commonly represents the intersection of physical settings with human and natural histories, activities, meanings, and emotions (Brandenburg & Carroll, 1995; Canter 1977; Casey, 1993; Steele, 1981; Tuan, 1974, 1977) that are culturally specific (Williams & Patterson, 1999). In the context of this study, nature places can be understood as natural settings combined with the felt values and meanings that were assigned to these environments (Tuan, 1977) by participants who live in the midwestern United States. How do people connect to places in nature? Environmental literature such as Muir's (1894) 'The Mountains of California,' Thoreau's (1937) 'Walden,' Olson's (1956) 'The Singing Wilderness,' and Dillard's (1998) 'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek' illuminate common themes of person-place connection such as the awe, wonderment, and inspiration that may be experienced in the out-of-doors (Nodurft, 1997). Deep ecologists, Devall and Sessions (1985) suggest that connecting deeply with places in nature involves the intermingling of one's sense of self and wisdom derived from the earth. Orr (1992) and Abram (1996) suggest the realization of connectedness between humans and the out-of-doors is experiential and Tuan (1974, 1977) theorises that the evolving relationships people form with places are a result of the time spent at individual locations and the intensity of the interactions. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of outdoor leaders toward the ways they feel connected to nature places. …