학교주변의 자연환경 개방성 및 접근성이 초등학생의 자연연계성 인식과 자아개념에 미치는 영향

Effects of Openness and Accessibility to Nature Nearby School on Connectedness to Nature and Self-concept among Elementary Students

This study aimed to investigate the impact of nature as exosystem environment on connectedness to nature and self-concept among elementary students. A survey was conducted on 184 male and 170 female students, who were 5th grade in four elementary schools located in Korean urban. Four school(A, B, C, D) have diverse characteristics based on level of openness and accessibility to nature. D school which is palace with various trees/plants, but bad level of openness and accessibility, had high scores in connectedness to nature and self-concept. However, B school(high level of openness and accessibility) and C school(little high level of openness and accessibility) had significantly correlation between connectedness to nature and self-concept) except A school and D school. This suggests that nearby nature as exosystem environment can influence well-being and health of elementary students.