Environmental Epiphanies: Exploring the Shifts in Human-Nature Interactions
Merrick, Melinda
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/83129
Description
Title
Environmental Epiphanies: Exploring the Shifts in Human-Nature Interactions
Author(s)
Merrick, Melinda
Issue Date
2008
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Joanne Vining
Department of Study
Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sciences
Discipline
Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sciences
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Psychology, General
Language
eng
Abstract
The experience of epiphanies accompanied by intense emotions is a common occurrence in the context of natural environments. The occurrence of epiphanies is usually reported as a very memorable episode that has significant influences on subsequent cognition and behavior. Despite the fact that epiphanies occur fairly regularly in people's accounts of their outdoor experiences, they have received little empirical attention. In this study, I conducted an extensive multidisciplinary review of empirical and theoretical literature in order to locate data and conceptual frameworks that may be useful in the understanding of environmental epiphanies. In the context of these frameworks, I conducted an empirical study in which I administered in-depth semi-structured interviews with people who had experienced environmental epiphanies. Using qualitative content analysis guided by a grounded analytical approach, I developed a typology and explored common characteristics and trends across environmental epiphany types. Experiences of epiphanies may have important ramifications for the manner in which people develop attitudes regarding land management issues. The study of environmental epiphanies can inform basic theory regarding conservation psychology, environmental education, and human-nature interactions.
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