Our ‘relationship with nature’ has been described as a construct that can be measured,
using a wide array of quantitative tools. Prior studies indicate that these scores can change, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying these changes.
Using a qualitative approach, a deeper exploration of individuals’ subjective experiences is possible, allowing a richness of detail and the distilling of key themes.
Fundamentally, ecopsychology links nature and spirituality, locating humankind
within the ecosystem and incorporating a spiritual aspect into this connection .
By examining the psyche’s deepest-rooted questions surrounding the perception of the self and nature , ecopsychology encourages a removal of the self from the current materialistic worldview to form a more empathetic link with the Earth.
According to Naess, in order for the self to develop and grow, the boundaries
of the egoic self must be overcome to break from our pre-existing social structures and move towards a more symbiotic relationship with the planet that we call home.
Both approaches de-emphasize an anthropocentric view, opposing the idea of nature as a resource and necessitating a more transpersonal explanation of humankind’s relationship with nature. We have included more information in the attached pdf for your reference which you are welcome to download.
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