Leisure time in natural environment as a promoter of emotional connection with nature. an environmental study with teenagers in pontevedra (galicia-spain)

Abstract

Young people spend progressively less leisure time in contact with nature. This situation is closely related to the awakening of environmental awareness, since leisure time in natural environments fosters a greater emotional connection with nature, which influences pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. The objective of this research is to analyze the influence of leisure experiences in natural spaces on the degree of emotional connection with nature among a group of secondary education students in Pontevedra (Galicia, Spain). The role of variables such as place of residence and gender in this emotional connection will also be analyzed. An ad hoc questionnaire was applied based on cross-sectional quota sampling, obtaining a total of 683 valid cases. The data obtained shows that those teenagers who have more leisure experiences in natural environments have a higher degree of emotional connection with nature. Likewise, the place of residence influences the degree of connection with nature, with the highest values being for students from rural areas. In addition, female students have significantly higher connectivity. In conclusion, it is necessary to enhance these leisure experiences in nature among the youngest students as a strategy to restore harmony between human beings and nature.