Table 1.
Description of the approaches applied to the study of the relation between experiences in nature and EA and EB.
| Approach | Brief description | Main insights | Example of classical studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Significant life experience (SLE) | Studies analyzing the reasons why environmental activists devoted their lives to taking care of the environment. Childhood experiences in nature have been identified as a main driver for adulthood pro-environmentalism. | SLE literature shows that it is important to consider lifetime experiences with nature in order to understand current EA and EB. | Tanner, 1980 |
| 2. Comparison between nature-based recreationists EA and EB | Studies analyzing if individuals involved in different nature-based recreational activities have distinct EA and EB. For example, comparing EA and EB of hunters with those of birdwatchers. | These studies indicate that the type of interaction with nature (e.g., consumptive vs. appreciative) needs to be considered when analyzing the link between interactions with nature and pro-environmentalism. | Dunlap and Hefferman, 1975 |
| 3. Specialization | Studies analyzing whether differences in pro-environmentalism are linked to nature-based recreationist specialization (e.g., experience and technical skills a person has on a recreational activity). | This literature provides insights about the relevance of individuals’ specialization on a nature-based recreational activity to the understanding of their EA and EB. | Bryan, 1977 |
| 4. Interactions with nature influences pro-environmentalism | Studies analyzing whether interactions with nature can increase people’s pro-environmentalism. | Positive direct experiences in nature are linked to an increase in pro-environmentalism. | Mayer et al., 2009 |
| 5. EA influence interactions with nature | Studies analyzing whether people’s EA can influence their pattern of interactions with nature. | This literature suggests that EA may be a driver for interactions with nature. | Lin et al., 2014 |
| 6. The perceived benefits of interactions with nature as predictors of pro-environmentalism | Studies analyzing if the perceived benefits of interactions with nature (e.g., restoration, pleasure) are associated with people’s pro-environmentalism. | Studies on this approach suggest that people EA and EB may change when they realize the benefits of nature to their lives. | Hartig et al., 2001 |