A Scoping Review of Nature, Land, and Environmental Connectedness and Relatedness.

The importance of nature and the environment in relation to human health is coalescing, as demonstrated by the increased research that attempts to measure nature connectedness and relatedness. These findings align with constructs of cultural connectedness that assess for land connectedness as part of Indigenous ways of knowing. From an Indigenous worldview, relationships with the environment are critical to wellbeing. The purpose of this comprehensive systematic scoping literature review was two-fold: (1) identify and summarize existing measures of land, nature, and/or environmental connectedness, relatedness, and attitudes and (2) evaluate the psychometric properties of these scales. In total, 1438 articles were retrieved from select databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Academic Search Complete (EBSCO). The final searches and application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in 57 unique articles and 38 scales categorized as connectedness and relatedness scales (n = 9 scales), attitudinal and values-based scales (n = 16 scales), cultural and spiritually based scales (n = 9 scales), and paradigm-based scales (n = 4 scales) (articles could be placed in multiple categories). Psychometric properties and general outcomes associated with nature-related scales are reported, with implications for future education, research, practice, and policy.

Reclaiming 'Aina Health in Waimanalo.

Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) worldviews of health emphasize pono (righteousness) and lokahi (balance), which extends to include relationships with other people, akua (spiritual realm), and 'aina (land). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of 'aina and 'aina connection in health and resilience based on the perspectives of 12 Kanaka Maoli adults from the Waimanalo community. Three major themes were identified: 'Aina is everything, 'aina is health, and community healing through community-led initiatives. A better understanding of 'aina connection is important to improve our knowledge of Hawaiian health. A connection to 'aina may specifically address health concerns resulting from historical trauma and environmental changes.