Connection with nature as a key factor in the formation of childhood identities: a systematic review

Rapid urban and technological development has driven humans towards social and cultural dynamics marked by a nature deficit in their habits and routines. Previous research has analysed the effects of separating humans from natural spaces from a variety of perspectives, highlighting the benefits and importance of establishing a stronger connection between people and nature. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of nature on particular internal attributes such as values, behaviours, emotions and social skills that shape the identity construction of the individual, especially during childhood. To do so, a systematic literature review was carried out following the SALSA framework based on a bibliographic search in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The literature selection was limited to studies published between 2012 and 2022. After applying pre-established criteria, a total of 10 articles were selected for analysis. Most of the results showed that interaction with nature has positive effects on children's emotional, behavioural, and social development, offering greater self-knowledge, positive bonds with peers, a deeper connection with the environment and, ultimately, a process of personal development that generates a healthy identity construction through connection with nature. In conclusion, it is important to increase research into the impact of natural environments on identity construction from an early age, from pedagogical and humanist perspectives.