Early-life outdoor experiences and an individual's environmental attitudes

This study investigated the effects of early- life experiences on an individual's environmental beliefs. Data from a survey of 533 university undergraduate students from 20 areas of academic study were analyzed using sequential regression to determine the degree to which current environmental beliefs could be explained by early childhood experiences. Results showed that four of the seven independent variables ( appreciative outdoor activities, consumptive outdoor activities, media exposure, and witnessing negative environmental events) explained 14% of the variance in the eco- centric/ anthropocentric beliefs. Three of the independent variables ( early- life participation in mechanized outdoor activities, education, and involvement with organizations) were not significant predictors of eco- centric/ anthropocentric beliefs. Implications for research and practice were discussed.