Presentation Information
[O-12-04]Healing Our First Attachment: Cultural, Psychological, and Ecological Pathways to Reconnect with Nature
*Matthew Jenkins1,2, Sabine Egger2 (1.University of Auckland(New Zealand), 2.Waikato Health NZ(New Zealand))
Keywords:
indigenous,attachment theory,ecotherapy,human-nature relationship
Humanity's relationship with nature can be understood through the lens of attachment theory, framing the natural world as our original caregiver. Historically, indigenous cultures such as the Māori of Aotearoa New Zealand, First Nations of North America, and Sami of Northern Europe have maintained secure attachments to the land through practices of reciprocity, guardianship, and reverence for nature’s cycles. However, urbanisation, industrialisation, and colonisation have disrupted this bond, leading to insecure attachment styles—avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganised—manifested as ecological neglect, exploitation, and fear.
This presentation explores the parallels between attachment theory and human-nature relationships, drawing on cultural psychiatry, indigenous knowledge, and ecological psychology to propose pathways for reconnection. By examining Māori principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and tangata whenua (people of the land), alongside examples from other indigenous groups, we highlight the importance of restoring balance through cultural and nature-based approaches.
Therapeutic interventions such as ecotherapy, therapeutic gardening, and elemental meditations are presented as practical tools for healing this bond, supported by case studies demonstrating their effectiveness. By reframing nature as a caregiver, we foster pro-environmental behaviours and improve mental well-being.
This cross-disciplinary approach underscores the urgent need to heal humanity’s “first attachment” to address both psychological and ecological crises. Integrating cultural psychiatry, indigenous knowledge, and ecological psychology provides a framework for sustainable mental health practices and environmental stewardship, essential for the well-being of current and future generations. Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au – I am the land, the land is me.
This presentation explores the parallels between attachment theory and human-nature relationships, drawing on cultural psychiatry, indigenous knowledge, and ecological psychology to propose pathways for reconnection. By examining Māori principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and tangata whenua (people of the land), alongside examples from other indigenous groups, we highlight the importance of restoring balance through cultural and nature-based approaches.
Therapeutic interventions such as ecotherapy, therapeutic gardening, and elemental meditations are presented as practical tools for healing this bond, supported by case studies demonstrating their effectiveness. By reframing nature as a caregiver, we foster pro-environmental behaviours and improve mental well-being.
This cross-disciplinary approach underscores the urgent need to heal humanity’s “first attachment” to address both psychological and ecological crises. Integrating cultural psychiatry, indigenous knowledge, and ecological psychology provides a framework for sustainable mental health practices and environmental stewardship, essential for the well-being of current and future generations. Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au – I am the land, the land is me.