A systematic review of nature connectedness in adolescents and young adults: Fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable practices
Francesco Madera, Martina Olcese, Laura Migliorini
Abstract
Investigating the connection with nature is essential for understanding how young people perceive and engage with their environment. This systematic review aimed to assess the psychological and social science literature on the connection with nature in adolescents and young adults, with the objective of exploring how this connection might impact their development. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search across multiple databases identified 352 articles in total, with 38 meeting the inclusion criteria. Each article was evaluated for characteristics such as population type, study design, aims, and key findings. Thematic analysis revealed three key areas: pro-environmental behavior, sustainability and connection with nature, the role of technology, and gender differences in connection with nature. The findings suggest that fostering a connection with nature may be a powerful strategy for enhancing youth well-being, while also supporting social integration in diverse and evolving urban settings.