Year of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Arts (MA)
Degree Name
Clinical Psychology
Department or School/College
Psychology
Committee Chair
Rachel Williamson
Commitee Members
Duncan Campbell Jennifer Robohm Karla Bird
Keywords
traditional ecological knowledge, indigenous knowledge, indigenous wellbeing, climate change distress, nature connection
Subject Categories
Clinical Psychology
Abstract
Research suggests that nature connection is positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors, concern for the climate, general wellbeing, and subjective levels of climate change distress. Few research studies have examined how to increase nature connectedness without increasing psychological distress. Such research is especially important for those who are disproportionately affected by climate change such as Indigenous Peoples. To address this discrepancy, we developed a culturally-grounded psychological intervention framework based in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) for Indigenous populations and offered an adapted example for a Navajo population. The intervention was created in collaboration with TEK experts to conceptualize key psychologically-relevant TEK principles, and a Navajo knowledge holder who provided suggestions of cultural practices that support the benefits of those principles. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, the developed intervention is intended to address climate change distress in a culturally-relevant manner and community-specific context.
Recommended Citation
Antonio, Olathe, "INCREASING NATURE CONNECTION AND DECREASING CLIMATE CHANGE DISTRESS IN AN INDIGENOUS POPULATION: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE INTERVENTION FRAMEWORK" (2025). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12539.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12539
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© Copyright 2025 Olathe Antonio