Stephen R Kellert
Biographic Data
| ID | 94129 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Stephen R Kellert |
| GIVEN NAMES | Stephen R |
| FAMILY NAME | Kellert |
| SIGNATURE | KELLERT S R |
| AFFILIATIONS | Yale University |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 24 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 151 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 21 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 3 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1971 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2013 |
| H-INDEX | 7 |
The Biophilia Hypothesis
The Good in Nature and Humanity
The Origins of Aesthetic and Spiritual Values in Children's Experience of Nature
We conducted a limited exploratory study of the origins of children’s aesthetic and spiritual values in their experience of the natural world. We relied on a mix of research methods, including in-depth interviews, drawings, diaries, and observational studies of children, as well as conversations with parents about their children and their own childhood. Even though con?dent conclusions cannot be drawn from this study given the relatively small sa…
From awe to satisfaction
Antarctica is a rugged, austere, and yet stunningly beautiful continent with charismatic fauna including several species of penguins, whales, and seals. Mass media, writings from the early explorers, and modern film all describe firsthand experiences as delightful, beautiful, challenging, humbling, and even awe-inspiring. This dramatic allure of Antarctica now fuels one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world with over 30,000 visitors…
Habitat as Architecture
Interactional Theory and the Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism Experience
Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and long-term influence of Grand Canyon National Park multi-day commercial whitewater rafting experiences on participants' knowledge of the host protected area, attitudes toward management issues facing the host protected area, and environmental behaviors and future intentions. Through the use of multiple regression models, this investigation also explored the influence of…
Antarctic tourists
Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and longer-term influence of Antarctic cruise tourism experiences on participants’ knowledge of Antarctica, attitudes toward management issues facing the Antarctic region, and environmental behaviours and future intentions. In addition, the study investigated tourists’ attitudes toward visitor guidelines. The results suggest that Antarctica nature-based tourism operators h…
Connecting with Creation
This paper argues for the existence of a universal and genetically-encoded human yearning to connect and unite with nature or, writ large, creation. In human society, this yearning is often revealed through the vehicles of science and religion. This is a weak genetic tendency, however, that through the human genius of culture and free will produces widely different versions of science and religion. Nevertheless, this yearning being an expression …
What Books Should be More Widely Read in Environmental History
Children and Nature
For much of human evolution, the natural world was one of the most important contexts of children's maturation. Indeed, the experience of nature was, and still may be, a critical component of human physical, emotional, intellectual, and even moral development. Yet scientific knowledge of the significance of nature during the different stages of childhood is sparse. This book provides scientific investigations and thought-provoking essays on child…
Values and Attitudes Toward Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have declined drastically over the past century. Conservation of the genus will require an interdisciplinary approach, including consideration of human values and related variables. We conducted a sample survey of the values, attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of 900 residents of Montana, USA toward prairie dogs. Sub-samples included rural residents (n=300), urban residents (n=300), ranchers (n=150), and members of …
Attitudes toward wolves in southeastern Norway
In some Norwegian regions conflicts between sheep farmers and wildlife managers have increased considerably in frequency and intensity. In order to gain more insight into the inhabitants’ attitudes toward one carnivore species, opinions about the preferred size of the wolf population, attitudes and knowledge about wolves, and experience with animal‐related activities were surveyed in southeastern Norway. The attitude typology identified by Keller…
Human Culture and Large Carnivore Conservation in North America
We examined and compared human attitudes toward wolves ( Canis lupus ), grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos horribilis ), and mountain lions ( Puma concolor ) in North America, with an emphasis on the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. Primary research, literature review, and secondary data were included in the analysis. Wolves were historically persecuted by Euro‐American settlers, but they have been the focus of a significant attitudinal…
Issues in ecosystem valuation
In Spring 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency convened an expert group of ecologists, economists and other social scientists for the purpose of advancing the state of the art of ecosystem valuation methods. This Ecosystem Valuation Forum was organized as a dialogue because it has been clear from the outset that agreement even on the meaning of the term "ecosystem valuation" could not be taken for granted. Individuals from diverse disci…
Canadian Perceptions of Commercial Fisheries Management and Marine Mammal Conservation in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Public attitudes toward the use of fisheries and marine mammals in the northwest Atlantic have played an influential role in recent controversies over management of these resources. A thorough assessment of public sentiment has, however, been lacking. We describe the results of a survey conducted to assess Canadian public opinion regarding a variety of commercial fisheries and marine mammal issues. Over one thousand, randomly selected adult Canad…
Attitudes and knowledge of people living in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
Concerns over threats to the integrity of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) have increasingly led to calls for coordinated management of the region. To be most effective, GYE management requires an understanding of the attitudes and knowledge of local people. A structured knowledge and attitude survey of 308 people living within the GYE was conducted. A large majority of respondents recognized the importance of coordinated management of the…
Values and Perceptions of Invertebrates
In this paper I explore the value of invertebrates to human society. I initially examine various ecological, utilitarian, scientific, and cultural benefits provided by invertebrate organisms. I then explore the extent of appreciation and understanding of these values among the American public. This assessment was based on a study of residents of the state of Connecticut, including randomly selected members of the general public, farmers, conserva…
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior Toward Wildlife Among the Industrial Superpowers
This paper examines attitudes, knowledge, and behavior toward wildlife in the United States, Japan, and Germany. These countries collectively account for some 40% of the world's gross national product, and they have a major impact on the global environment. A similar conceptual and methodological approach was used to study national samples in each country over a roughly ten‐year period. The primary conceptual approach was a typology of basic atti…
The Public and the Timber Wolf in Minnesota
This paper reviews the results of a study of public attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and symbolic perceptions of the timber wolf in Minnesota. Data were obtained from 45-minute telephone interviews with 621 Minnesotans including 186 Minneapolis-St. Paul residents, and 183 northern counties residents, 102 deer hunters, 97 livestock farmers, and 53 trappers.Limited factual knowledge of the timber wolf was found among the general public, although co…
Attitudes toward Animals
This paper reviews the results of a study of 267 children in the second, fifth, eighth and eleventh grades. A battery of tests was used to examine children's knowledge and attitudes toward animals, and behavioral contacts with animals. A typology of basic attitudes toward animals and appropriate scales were employed. Children's knowledge and attitudes toward animals were also compared to adults eighteen years of age and over. Major differences oc…
Human dimensions information in wildlife management, policy, and planning
Birdwatching in American Society
Based on the results of a national study of American attitudes, knowledge and behaviors toward animals, the extent of participation in birdwatching is described. Additionally, the demographic characteristics as well as animal‐related knowledge and attitudes of birdwatchers are detailed. The motivation for participation in birdwatching is considered, and the varying motives of casual versus committed birdwatchers contrasted. Finally, the significa…
Childhood Cruelty toward Animals among Criminals and Noncriminals
This paper examines the relationship between childhood cruelty toward animals and aggressive behavior among criminals and noncriminals in adulthood. Data were derived from personal interviews with 152 criminals and noncriminals in Kansas and Connecticut. A standardized, closed, and open-ended interview, requiring approximately 1-2 hours to complete, was administered to all subjects. Aggressiveness was defined by behavioral criteria rather than by…
Psychiatric disorder in a Swedish and a Canadian community
Childhood Cruelty toward Animals among Criminals and Noncriminals
This paper examines the relationship between childhood cruelty toward animals and aggressive behavior among criminals and noncriminals in adulthood. Data were derived from personal interviews with 152 criminals and noncriminals in Kansas and Connecticut. A standardized, closed, and open-ended interview, requiring approximately 1-2 hours to complete, was administered to all subjects. Aggressiveness was defined by behavioral criteria rather than by…
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior Toward Wildlife Among the Industrial Superpowers
This paper examines attitudes, knowledge, and behavior toward wildlife in the United States, Japan, and Germany. These countries collectively account for some 40% of the world's gross national product, and they have a major impact on the global environment. A similar conceptual and methodological approach was used to study national samples in each country over a roughly ten‐year period. The primary conceptual approach was a typology of basic atti…
Attitudes toward wolves in southeastern Norway
In some Norwegian regions conflicts between sheep farmers and wildlife managers have increased considerably in frequency and intensity. In order to gain more insight into the inhabitants’ attitudes toward one carnivore species, opinions about the preferred size of the wolf population, attitudes and knowledge about wolves, and experience with animal‐related activities were surveyed in southeastern Norway. The attitude typology identified by Keller…
Issues in ecosystem valuation
In Spring 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency convened an expert group of ecologists, economists and other social scientists for the purpose of advancing the state of the art of ecosystem valuation methods. This Ecosystem Valuation Forum was organized as a dialogue because it has been clear from the outset that agreement even on the meaning of the term "ecosystem valuation" could not be taken for granted. Individuals from diverse disci…
Interactional Theory and the Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism Experience
Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and long-term influence of Grand Canyon National Park multi-day commercial whitewater rafting experiences on participants' knowledge of the host protected area, attitudes toward management issues facing the host protected area, and environmental behaviors and future intentions. Through the use of multiple regression models, this investigation also explored the influence of…
Birdwatching in American Society
Based on the results of a national study of American attitudes, knowledge and behaviors toward animals, the extent of participation in birdwatching is described. Additionally, the demographic characteristics as well as animal‐related knowledge and attitudes of birdwatchers are detailed. The motivation for participation in birdwatching is considered, and the varying motives of casual versus committed birdwatchers contrasted. Finally, the significa…
Antarctic tourists
Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and longer-term influence of Antarctic cruise tourism experiences on participants’ knowledge of Antarctica, attitudes toward management issues facing the Antarctic region, and environmental behaviours and future intentions. In addition, the study investigated tourists’ attitudes toward visitor guidelines. The results suggest that Antarctica nature-based tourism operators h…
From awe to satisfaction
Antarctica is a rugged, austere, and yet stunningly beautiful continent with charismatic fauna including several species of penguins, whales, and seals. Mass media, writings from the early explorers, and modern film all describe firsthand experiences as delightful, beautiful, challenging, humbling, and even awe-inspiring. This dramatic allure of Antarctica now fuels one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world with over 30,000 visitors…
Values and Attitudes Toward Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have declined drastically over the past century. Conservation of the genus will require an interdisciplinary approach, including consideration of human values and related variables. We conducted a sample survey of the values, attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of 900 residents of Montana, USA toward prairie dogs. Sub-samples included rural residents (n=300), urban residents (n=300), ranchers (n=150), and members of …
The Public and the Timber Wolf in Minnesota
This paper reviews the results of a study of public attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and symbolic perceptions of the timber wolf in Minnesota. Data were obtained from 45-minute telephone interviews with 621 Minnesotans including 186 Minneapolis-St. Paul residents, and 183 northern counties residents, 102 deer hunters, 97 livestock farmers, and 53 trappers.Limited factual knowledge of the timber wolf was found among the general public, although co…
Canadian Perceptions of Commercial Fisheries Management and Marine Mammal Conservation in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Public attitudes toward the use of fisheries and marine mammals in the northwest Atlantic have played an influential role in recent controversies over management of these resources. A thorough assessment of public sentiment has, however, been lacking. We describe the results of a survey conducted to assess Canadian public opinion regarding a variety of commercial fisheries and marine mammal issues. Over one thousand, randomly selected adult Canad…
Psychiatric disorder in a Swedish and a Canadian community
The Origins of Aesthetic and Spiritual Values in Children's Experience of Nature
We conducted a limited exploratory study of the origins of children’s aesthetic and spiritual values in their experience of the natural world. We relied on a mix of research methods, including in-depth interviews, drawings, diaries, and observational studies of children, as well as conversations with parents about their children and their own childhood. Even though con?dent conclusions cannot be drawn from this study given the relatively small sa…
Attitudes and knowledge of people living in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
Concerns over threats to the integrity of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) have increasingly led to calls for coordinated management of the region. To be most effective, GYE management requires an understanding of the attitudes and knowledge of local people. A structured knowledge and attitude survey of 308 people living within the GYE was conducted. A large majority of respondents recognized the importance of coordinated management of the…
Psychiatric disorder in a Swedish and a Canadian community
Attitudes toward Animals
This paper reviews the results of a study of 267 children in the second, fifth, eighth and eleventh grades. A battery of tests was used to examine children's knowledge and attitudes toward animals, and behavioral contacts with animals. A typology of basic attitudes toward animals and appropriate scales were employed. Children's knowledge and attitudes toward animals were also compared to adults eighteen years of age and over. Major differences oc…
Human dimensions information in wildlife management, policy, and planning
Birdwatching in American Society
Based on the results of a national study of American attitudes, knowledge and behaviors toward animals, the extent of participation in birdwatching is described. Additionally, the demographic characteristics as well as animal‐related knowledge and attitudes of birdwatchers are detailed. The motivation for participation in birdwatching is considered, and the varying motives of casual versus committed birdwatchers contrasted. Finally, the significa…
Childhood Cruelty toward Animals among Criminals and Noncriminals
This paper examines the relationship between childhood cruelty toward animals and aggressive behavior among criminals and noncriminals in adulthood. Data were derived from personal interviews with 152 criminals and noncriminals in Kansas and Connecticut. A standardized, closed, and open-ended interview, requiring approximately 1-2 hours to complete, was administered to all subjects. Aggressiveness was defined by behavioral criteria rather than by…
The Public and the Timber Wolf in Minnesota
This paper reviews the results of a study of public attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and symbolic perceptions of the timber wolf in Minnesota. Data were obtained from 45-minute telephone interviews with 621 Minnesotans including 186 Minneapolis-St. Paul residents, and 183 northern counties residents, 102 deer hunters, 97 livestock farmers, and 53 trappers.Limited factual knowledge of the timber wolf was found among the general public, although co…
Values and Perceptions of Invertebrates
In this paper I explore the value of invertebrates to human society. I initially examine various ecological, utilitarian, scientific, and cultural benefits provided by invertebrate organisms. I then explore the extent of appreciation and understanding of these values among the American public. This assessment was based on a study of residents of the state of Connecticut, including randomly selected members of the general public, farmers, conserva…
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior Toward Wildlife Among the Industrial Superpowers
This paper examines attitudes, knowledge, and behavior toward wildlife in the United States, Japan, and Germany. These countries collectively account for some 40% of the world's gross national product, and they have a major impact on the global environment. A similar conceptual and methodological approach was used to study national samples in each country over a roughly ten‐year period. The primary conceptual approach was a typology of basic atti…
Attitudes and knowledge of people living in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
Concerns over threats to the integrity of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) have increasingly led to calls for coordinated management of the region. To be most effective, GYE management requires an understanding of the attitudes and knowledge of local people. A structured knowledge and attitude survey of 308 people living within the GYE was conducted. A large majority of respondents recognized the importance of coordinated management of the…
Issues in ecosystem valuation
In Spring 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency convened an expert group of ecologists, economists and other social scientists for the purpose of advancing the state of the art of ecosystem valuation methods. This Ecosystem Valuation Forum was organized as a dialogue because it has been clear from the outset that agreement even on the meaning of the term "ecosystem valuation" could not be taken for granted. Individuals from diverse disci…
Canadian Perceptions of Commercial Fisheries Management and Marine Mammal Conservation in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Public attitudes toward the use of fisheries and marine mammals in the northwest Atlantic have played an influential role in recent controversies over management of these resources. A thorough assessment of public sentiment has, however, been lacking. We describe the results of a survey conducted to assess Canadian public opinion regarding a variety of commercial fisheries and marine mammal issues. Over one thousand, randomly selected adult Canad…
Human Culture and Large Carnivore Conservation in North America
We examined and compared human attitudes toward wolves ( Canis lupus ), grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos horribilis ), and mountain lions ( Puma concolor ) in North America, with an emphasis on the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. Primary research, literature review, and secondary data were included in the analysis. Wolves were historically persecuted by Euro‐American settlers, but they have been the focus of a significant attitudinal…
Attitudes toward wolves in southeastern Norway
In some Norwegian regions conflicts between sheep farmers and wildlife managers have increased considerably in frequency and intensity. In order to gain more insight into the inhabitants’ attitudes toward one carnivore species, opinions about the preferred size of the wolf population, attitudes and knowledge about wolves, and experience with animal‐related activities were surveyed in southeastern Norway. The attitude typology identified by Keller…
Values and Attitudes Toward Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have declined drastically over the past century. Conservation of the genus will require an interdisciplinary approach, including consideration of human values and related variables. We conducted a sample survey of the values, attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of 900 residents of Montana, USA toward prairie dogs. Sub-samples included rural residents (n=300), urban residents (n=300), ranchers (n=150), and members of …
Children and Nature
For much of human evolution, the natural world was one of the most important contexts of children's maturation. Indeed, the experience of nature was, and still may be, a critical component of human physical, emotional, intellectual, and even moral development. Yet scientific knowledge of the significance of nature during the different stages of childhood is sparse. This book provides scientific investigations and thought-provoking essays on child…
What Books Should be More Widely Read in Environmental History
Connecting with Creation
This paper argues for the existence of a universal and genetically-encoded human yearning to connect and unite with nature or, writ large, creation. In human society, this yearning is often revealed through the vehicles of science and religion. This is a weak genetic tendency, however, that through the human genius of culture and free will produces widely different versions of science and religion. Nevertheless, this yearning being an expression …
Antarctic tourists
Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and longer-term influence of Antarctic cruise tourism experiences on participants’ knowledge of Antarctica, attitudes toward management issues facing the Antarctic region, and environmental behaviours and future intentions. In addition, the study investigated tourists’ attitudes toward visitor guidelines. The results suggest that Antarctica nature-based tourism operators h…
Interactional Theory and the Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism Experience
Two complementary studies were conducted to investigate both the immediate and long-term influence of Grand Canyon National Park multi-day commercial whitewater rafting experiences on participants' knowledge of the host protected area, attitudes toward management issues facing the host protected area, and environmental behaviors and future intentions. Through the use of multiple regression models, this investigation also explored the influence of…
Habitat as Architecture
From awe to satisfaction
Antarctica is a rugged, austere, and yet stunningly beautiful continent with charismatic fauna including several species of penguins, whales, and seals. Mass media, writings from the early explorers, and modern film all describe firsthand experiences as delightful, beautiful, challenging, humbling, and even awe-inspiring. This dramatic allure of Antarctica now fuels one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world with over 30,000 visitors…
The Biophilia Hypothesis
The Good in Nature and Humanity
The Origins of Aesthetic and Spiritual Values in Children's Experience of Nature
We conducted a limited exploratory study of the origins of children’s aesthetic and spiritual values in their experience of the natural world. We relied on a mix of research methods, including in-depth interviews, drawings, diaries, and observational studies of children, as well as conversations with parents about their children and their own childhood. Even though con?dent conclusions cannot be drawn from this study given the relatively small sa…
Geography (14 works) · Psychology (11 works) · Ecology (10 works) · Sociology (10 works) · Biology (8 works) · Animal and Plant Science Education (7 works) · Environmental Education and Sustainability (7 works) · Political science (7 works) · Ecology (6 works) · Environmental resource management (6 works)