psychologists connecting society to nature - american … · 2020-06-10 · dr. susan clayton...

Dr. Susan Clayton believes that people care more about nature when they’re connected to it. To prove her theory, she conducts psychological research at zoos, observing how people connect with the animals and habitats.

She’s found that whether mimicking an orangutan’s facial expression or interacting with an exhibit about the wildlife trade, people become more concerned about nature when they experience it.

That connection is vital. Research shows that simply being outside in nature for 20 minutes a day can boost well-being. Plus, Dr. Clayton theorizes that the more connected people feel to the planet, the more inclined they will be to protect it.

Complex questions, innovative answers — that’s psychological science.

PSYCHOLOGY: Science in Action

Find out how psychology connects society to nature at WWW.PSYCHSCIENCEACTION.ORG

“I began to realize that there was a real psychological significance to nature that I hadn’t appreciated beforehand.”

— Dr. Susan Clayton, conservation psychologist, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio

PSYCHOLOGISTS: Connecting Society to Nature

Find out how psychology connects society to nature at WWW.PSYCHSCIENCEACTION.ORG

PSYCHOLOGY: Science in Action

PSYCHOLOGISTS: Helping to Protect the PlanetMost people go to the zoo to observe animals. Dr. Susan Clayton, a conservation psychologist, goes to observe people.

She is interested not only in how people connect with animals and each other at the zoo, but in how their experience of observing animals increases their connection to the environment.

That connection with nature is vital. Research shows that simply being outside in nature for 20 minutes a day can boost well-being: plus, Dr. Clayton’s hypothesis is that the more connected people feel to the planet, the more inclined they will be to protect it.

Complex questions, innovative answers — that’s psychological science.

“What I’m particularly interested in is the kind of personal and social significance of the natural world.

— Dr. Susan Clayton, conservation psychologist, College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio