Definition
Affective connection is not derived from just one single theory, and there is not one accepted theory or definition on it. Instead, in the various models and studies on this construct, slightly different names have been used, such as emotional commitment to nature, emotional affinity toward nature, nature relatedness, or inclusion of nature in self. It is a rather broad and multifaceted construct, which has developed into a new paradigm within environmental psychology with extensive and differentiated active research on it.
Affective connection to nature can be defined as a positive emotional bond with nature which is more or less consciously experienced by the subject. It requires positive experiences with nature, whereas negative experiences, like fear of nature phenomena or disgust, will not result in the same form of connection to nature. “Affective”...
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Kals, E. (2014). Affective Connection to Nature. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_3964
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