Outdoor Games Make Kids More Spiritual, Study

First Posted: May 03, 2014 04:37 AM EDT
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Researchers at the Michigan State University claim that playing outside for five to ten hours every week could make children more spiritual.

The study, led by Gretel Van Wieren, and co-researcher Stephen Kellert from Yale University, found that children who spend a significant amount of time outdoors are more likely to develop a stronger sense of self fulfilment and purpose. In this study the researchers highlight the association between children's experiences in nature and how they define spirituality.

The study researchers found that children who played outside for five-ten hours every week reported having a spiritual connection with the Earth and also realized their role in protecting it.

"These values are incredibly important to human development and well-being," Gretel Van Wieren, assistant professor of religious studies, said in a statement. "We were surprised by the results. Before we did the study, we asked, 'Is it just a myth that children have this deep connection with nature?' But we found it to be true in pretty profound ways."

The children, who were a part of the study, reported feeling peaceful and a few even reported a belief that a superior power was what made the natural world around them. A few said  they were  amazed at the power of nature manifested in storms and other such natural phenomenon and at the  same time felt happy and  had a sense of belonging in the world.

In this study the researchers measured the aesthetic values of the children. They noticed that the children who were involved in outdoor games on a regular basis noticed nature, connected with it and appreciated its beauty.  The researchers employed a series of research techniques in this study including in-depth interviews, drawings, dairies, observations and interaction with parents.

Out of the 10 children of ages 7 to 8, seven belonged to families with strong religious beliefs. The parents of these children also reported that they spent significant time outdoors during their childhood. 

The finding was reported in the Journal of Study of Religion, Nature and Culture. 

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