Mixed‐methods systematic review exploring the associations underpinning active outdoor play with connection to nature and environmental stewardship

Abstract Active outdoor play has been positioned in the literature as an opportunity to address concerns over climate (in)action and the rising trend of disconnection from the outdoors and nature. The objective of this systematic review was to examine associations between active outdoor play and people's connection to nature and/or environmental stewardship across all ages. A systematic literature search of five bibliographic databases was conducted to identify articles examining associations between active outdoor play and connection to nature and environmental stewardship. Reviewers independently screened full‐text articles in duplicate. p ‐value synthesis or vote counting (quantitative data; where applicable) and narrative synthesis (qualitative data) were performed. Articles were eligible if they included human populations of any age, used one of 24 validated scales measuring connection to nature and/or environmental stewardship and explored associations between active outdoor play and connection to nature and/or environmental stewardship. Risk of bias or quality assessments were conducted on quantitative and qualitative articles, respectively. Of 51 articles included, 27 were qualitative, 22 were quantitative and 2 were mixed‐methods. Based on quantitative evidence reporting p ‐values, evidence was found in favour ( p < 0.001, df = 44, χ 2 = 300.8) of the hypothesis that active outdoor play is favourably associated with connection to nature and environmental stewardship. Two articles only reported direction of effect, with both showing that more time spent in nature is associated with higher connection to nature. Qualitative data highlighted several subthemes key to fostering this relationship across all ages including: curiosity and immersion in nature for fostering a connection to nature, as well as the importance of developing an understanding of the interconnections and interdependencies between ourselves and nature for establishing environmental stewardship behaviours. All findings were consolidated into a figure illustrating a conceptual pathway from active outdoor play to connection to nature and environmental stewardship for all ages. Collectively, this review highlights several key qualities that policymakers and programme providers should consider when designing active outdoor play programmes to foster pro‐environmental behaviour across the lifespan. A consolidated figure proposing the pathway between active outdoor play, connection to nature and environmental stewardship inclusive of all ages is presented to guide future research. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.