Natural history museums, parks, and connection with nature

• Published in: Museum management and curatorship (1990) Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 102 - 121
• Main Authors: Arbuthnott, Katherine D., Sutter, Glenn C., Heidt, Constance T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 15-03-2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: connection to nature; Environmental aspects; History; Information; Museum exhibits; natural history museums; pro-environmental behavior; well-being
• ISSN: 0964-7775; 1872-9185
• DOI: 10.1080/09647775.2014.888818

Experiences in natural settings, and indirect nature experiences such as films, increase both well-being and environmentally protective behavior. Thus, public facilities such as natural history museums may facilitate pro-environmental behavior changes. In three studies, we examined nature connection, well-being, and spontaneous well-being goals as a function of exposure to museum exhibits or parks. Participants recruited in parks reported higher nature connection than those in indoor public locations. Among museum visitors, touring the exhibits did not influence nature connection, but did increase the number of pro-environmental well-being goals. When participants were randomly assigned to view a museum or a control presentation, those who viewed the museum presentation reported both higher nature connection and more pro-environmental goals. These results suggest that natural history museums and parks provide public settings in which people are more likely to be receptive to environmental information and to reflect on options for personal action.