Journal article
Marine Wildlife Experiences and Beliefs: Towards Reciprocal Benefits
Ecopsychology, Vol.12(3), pp.209-221
01/09/2020
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Abstract
The concept of reciprocal healing invites consideration of how experiences in nature and with wildlife encourage mutual benefits via well-being for humans and the earth. This contrasts with using nature as a commodity for human gain without regard to the natural other. To understand human relationships with the earth we first need to consider what humans think, feel, and believe about nature. This study examined how beliefs vary between people of different ages, gender, and with various marine mammal experiences. A questionnaire asked which belief statements people agreed with, and responses from 679 participants provided either human-focused anthropocentric beliefs or earth-focused ecocentric beliefs. Based on the literature, we expected that males, older people, and those who have encountered animals in captivity would tend towards anthropocentric beliefs. The hypothesis was partially accepted. Ecocentric beliefs were more commonly chosen overall, and there were differences in beliefs depending on encounters experienced. Age group and gender affected the anthropocentric but not the ecocentric beliefs chosen. Ecocentric beliefs were more common for participants who had a combination of the two wild conditions, as expected. Unexpectedly, both anthropocentric and ecocentric beliefs were associated with a combination of all three experiences, and possible reasons are suggested. The findings from this study provide a springboard towards understanding how to activate reciprocal relationships between humans and animals. Wildlife experiences that foster ecocentric beliefs could help us move beyond a focus on one-sided human gains, towards stronger reciprocal relationships between humans and animals. Future studies may be able to tease apart this relationship further and examine the direct links between belief type, well-being, and behavior.
Details
- Title
- Marine Wildlife Experiences and Beliefs: Towards Reciprocal Benefits
- Creators
- Rachel Yerbury (Author) - School of Environment, Engineering and Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, AustraliaWilliam Boyd (Author) - School of Environment, Engineering and Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, AustraliaBetty Weiler (Author) - School of Business and Tourism, Southern Cross University, Coolangatta, Australia
- Publication Details
- Ecopsychology, Vol.12(3), pp.209-221
- Identifiers
- 991012927059002368
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Office of the Vice Chancellor; Faculty of Business, Law and Arts; Emeritus Faculty; Management; Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article