The influence of Ecotherapy on pro-environmental behaviour

Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, the human impact on the environment has been disastrous. We are dealing with an global ecological crisis and obviously, we are still far away in reaching a sustainable society as how it is defined by Brundtland or by other institutions. By the use of secondary data, there is tried to give an answer on the question how pro-environmental behaviour can be triggered to reach a sustainable lifestyle. Previous research has found that contact to nature and feeling a sense of belonging to the natural community are important predictors to behave in an ecologically responsible way. Both aspects are integrated in the practice of 'ecotherapy', something which is so far mainly used in a medical context. A lot of evidence illustrates that ecotherapy has a beneficial effect on the physical and psychological health of patients. This master paper shows however that anyone can benefit from ecotherapy as we all have to restore our inner relationship with the natural world. As a result, there are a lot of assumptions that ecotherapy is not only valuable for human well-being but also for the well-being of our planet. The recommendation of this master paper is consequently that the relationship between ecotherapy and pro-environmental behaviour is tested. If ecotherapy can trigger ecologically responsible behaviour, then this concept should be fully integrated in one's life as it improves not only human health, but it leads also to a better environment.

Date of Award	10 Sep 2010
Original language	English
Supervisor	Dimitri Devuyst (Promotor), Rik De Vreese (Jury) & Ann Van Herzele (Jury)