Mother Nature: An initial exploration of new potential for attachment theory.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to postulate new theory regarding attachment theory and its relationship to the natural world via an analysis of the existing literature regarding environmental and ecological psychology alongside what is known about attachment theory. Additionally, it draws on wider literature (including folklore) pertaining to anthropology and nomadic societies as well as indigenous societies with reference to New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS: Although merely an introductory overview, there is convincing evidence to support a case that our relationship with nature is of paramount importance for human well-being and wider societal well-being and that this relationship has been corrupted via the developed world and progressive disconnect from nature. This disconnect could be categorised through the lens of attachment theory whereby an insecure attachment has subsequently developed.This insecure attachment predisposes us, as a species, to neglect, denigrate and commodify the natural world which, in turn, is giving rise to climate change and its own psychological sequelae. However, discrepancies such as trauma arising from natural disasters suggest a more nuanced approach is needed as our relationship with nature is not entirely without danger, and, as such, there remain significant gaps when unifying this under the umbrella of attachment theory without further research/extrapolation of its importance.

Homesickness at Home: A Scoping Review of Solastalgia Experiences in Australia.

Solastalgia is a term used to describe the pain and distress experienced by those witnessing their home environments destroyed or changed in unwelcome ways. Solastalgia is expected to become more prominent as climate change worsens and transforms landscapes. This scoping review examines and maps the existing literature on solastalgia in Australia, particularly focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences. Four focus questions guided the review to explore how solastalgia is conceptualized, highlight risk and protective factors, and identify strategies for addressing solastalgia. Eighteen papers met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, our results show a minimal evidence base on solastalgia in Australia with an even greater gap in exploring solastalgia from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. A strong connection to home environments was suggested as both a risk and protective factor for experiencing solastalgia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are considered at risk due to intimate connections to home environments, and since the invasion, have experienced mental distress resulting from significant, damaging changes to landscapes and home environments. We recommend further exploration of lived experiences of solastalgia across a greater diversity of Australian contexts, particularly amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including a focus on practical implications.

A Thematic Analysis of Multiple Pathways Between Nature Engagement Activities and Well-Being.

Research studies have identified various different mechanisms in the effects of nature engagement on well-being and mental health. However, rarely are multiple pathways examined in the same study and little use has been made of first-hand, experiential accounts through interviews. Therefore, a semi-structured interview was conducted with seven female students who identified the role of nature engagement in their well-being and mental health. After applying thematic analysis, 11 themes were extracted from the data set, which were: "enjoying the different sensory input," "calm nature facilitates a calm mood," "enhancing decision making and forming action plans," "enhancing efficiency and productivity," "alleviating pressure from society's expectations regarding education," "formation of community relations," "nature puts things into perspective," "liking the contrast from the urban environment," "feel freedom," "coping mechanism," and "anxious if prevented or restricted." The results indicate complementary mechanisms for how nature-related activities benefit mental health and well-being that may occupy different levels of experience within a hierarchical framework informed by perceptual control theory.