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Theorizing Family‐Based Nature Activities and Family Functioning: The Integration of Attention Restoration Theory With a Family Routines and Rituals Perspective
Author(s) -
Izenstark Dina,
Ebata Aaron T.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of family theory and review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.454
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1756-2589
pISSN - 1756-2570
DOI - 10.1111/jftr.12138
Subject(s) - perspective (graphical) , psychology , family studies , social psychology , developmental psychology , sociology , computer science , artificial intelligence , anthropology
Time spent in nature has been recognized as beneficial for individuals, but the benefits of nature engagement for families remain significantly underresearched and lack theoretical underpinnings. We draw from the family studies, family leisure, and environmental psychology literature to suggest a new theoretical approach—integrating attention restoration theory and a routines and rituals perspective to study family‐based nature activities. Attention restoration theory shows how certain types of behavioral settings have different effects on restored attention, which may influence interactions between family members, and a family routines and rituals perspective predicts greater developmental benefits from certain types of ritualized activities over onetime experiences. We argue that participation in family‐based nature activities can serve as a pathway for positive family functioning more so than other types of leisure contexts.