Research Information System
Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Turkey
Approval Date: 2016
Student: TUĞÇE BAKIR
Co-Supervisor: BAŞAK ŞAHİN ACAR, SİBEL KAZAK BERUMENT
Abstract:Previous studies revealed that nearby natural environment is important for physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and self-development as well as mental health of children. However, in terms of self-development of children, selfregulation has not been widely examined. The current study examined the relationship between the nearby natural environment, perceptual sensitivity of children, nature connectedness, self-regulation skills, and mental health. 299 mother-child pairs participated in the study. Children ranged between 8-11 years of age. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships, and the final model fit the data well. Our results indicated that connectedness with nature was not related to behavioral and cognitive regulation of children. However, it led to an increase in children’s emotional regulation skills. Prosocial behaviors, hyperactivity/inattention, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems were also predicted by emotional regulation of children.However, the latent factor of greenery was not related to the connection to nature levels in children. Only children’s perception of levels of nature around their home led to an increase in connection to nature of children. The interaction of perceptual sensitivity and children’s views about the levels of nature around their home was also found. Findings of the study were interpreted in the light of the relevant literature.