Biophilia in early childhood: an exploratory study of children and parents
European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/1350293x.2026.2682855
- Journal Name: European Early Childhood Education Research Journal
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Education Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: Biophilia, city of residence, multivariate analyze, nature connectedness of parent, preschool child
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the biophilia levels of preschool children aged 5–6 years and the nature connectedness of their parents. A quantitative correlational research design was employed. The study group consisted of 124 children aged 5–6 years attending preschool institutions and their parents, residing in four provinces of Türkiye: Ankara, Bayburt, Kocaeli, and Van. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Biophilia Scale for Children, and the Nature Relatedness Scale for parents. One-way ANOVA and MANOVA tests were used in the analysis of the data. The findings revealed no statistically significant differences in children’s biophilia levels and parents’ nature connectedness based on city of residence. In addition, children’s biophilia levels did not differ significantly according to city of residence. These null findings are interpreted within the context of an exploratory study and suggest that geographic variables such as city of residence may not be sufficiently discriminative in explaining biophilic tendencies in early childhood. The results point to the need for future research that directly measures the quality and content of children's nature experiences, as well as the mechanisms underlying parent–child transmission of nature connectedness.