Parental self-efficacy in connecting children with nature in Poland and Iceland. A study using the NCPSE scale

Abstract

ObjectivesThe article presents the results of a Polish-Icelandic project aimed to examine parents’ beliefs about their self-efficacy in connecting their children with nature.Material and methodsThe international research tool Nature Connectedness Parental Self-Efficacy (NCPSE) scale was used. The measure consists of 22 items grouped into four subscales: I Accessing nature; II Communicating about nature; III Overcoming personal barriers; IV. Overcoming situational barriers. From May to November 2022, a survey was conducted among 244 respondents (129 from Poland and 115 from Iceland ) bringing up preschool children and children in early childhood education.ResultsThe obtained results show that the compared groups differ statistically significantly, mainly in subscales II and III. Apart from the differences, many commonalities were also noted.ConclusionsAn analysis of parents’ self-efficacy is important for parents themselves, researchers, decision-makers, and organizations responsible for strengthening the youngest citizens’ involvement in taking action in and for nature.