Beery, Thomas Harold2011-06-202011-06-202011-05https://hdl.handle.net/11299/107691University of Minnesota Ed.D. dissertation. May 2011. Major: Teaching and Learning. Advisors:Joyce A. Strand,Bruce H. Munson. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 151 pages.This study explored the question of whether a relationship exists between the Nordic cultural idea of friluftsliv and the psychological construct of environmental connectedness. This quantitative study employed a correlational design with existing data from the Swedish Outdoor Recreation in Change national survey. Results indicate that there is a significant and meaningful relationship between nature-based outdoor recreation participation and environmental connectedness even when controlling for other predictor variables. In addition, research findings indicate that age group moderates this relationship with one group exception. It was also found that activity participation by respondents shows a correlation with both environmental connectedness and age group. Implications of this study support a cultural understanding of nature-based outdoor recreation and an awareness of the important role of access to nature as an essential component of nature-based outdoor recreation. Age group differences supported a variety of implications and recommendations for future research. A consideration of how the results may have implications for environmental education and sustainability efforts in Sweden and the U.S. was explored.en-USAllemansrättEnvironmental ConnectednessEnvironmental educationFriluftslivNature-based Outdoor RecreationTeaching and LearningThesis or Dissertation