Meyer, Cedric (2025) Mathematical Formalization as a Means to Inform and Improve Connection to Nature Interventions. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Connection to nature is an important driver of pro-environmental behavior. However, it remains unclear which strategies for fostering this connection are effective despite various studies testing diverse interventions. Mathematical formalization offers to be a promising yet underexplored method for examining how specific intervention components influence outcomes. We applied mathematical modeling to existing data on connection to nature interventions, focusing on the roles of intervention duration and the inclusion of a mindfulness component. Using data from two prior studies—one centered on intervention duration and the other on adding mindfulness—we developed several equations to investigate changes in connection to nature, expected outcomes, and the duration required to achieve significant improvements. These formalizations of the relationships investigated can be a basis for others investigating similar questions. The results indicate that contact with nature interventions may not be a feasible approach, as it would take nearly a month to reach higher levels of connection. In contrast, combining it with a mindfulness component has potential to drastically reduce the necessary duration of the intervention to reach similar outcomes to around a week. These findings demonstrate the potential of mathematical formalization as a means to clarify the mechanisms underlying intervention effectiveness and to guide the design of more efficient strategies.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Muinos Trujillo, G. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Environmental Psychology (EP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jul 2025 09:04 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jul 2025 09:04 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5733 |
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