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Article
Conceptualizing the Construct of Ocean Identity
Biology Faculty Publications
  • Miriah R. Kelly, Southern Connecticut State University
  • Jo-Marie Kasinak, Sacred Heart University
  • Emma McKinley, Cardiff University
  • Caitlin McLaughlin, Southern Connecticut State University
  • Jamie M.P. Vaudrey, University Of Connecticut
  • Jennifer Mattei, Sacred Heart University
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1-1-2023
Abstract

The construct of ocean identity provides a valuable lens that can unpack the multiple dimensions of human connections with ocean spaces, and crucially places importance on the integration of cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. The construct of ocean identity is applicable in academic and professional contexts, and is largely unexplored from both qualitative and quantitative research perspectives. This comment article presents a revised definition of ocean identity and posits a useful conceptual framework based on a robust analysis of literature to unveil the multiple dimensions that may explain an individuals’ ocean identity. Here we identify a series of attributes that could be considered possible explanatory attributes of the emerging concept of ocean identity. Future research will statistically test the concepts presented here to validate a scale for measuring ocean identity. This piece contributes to the ongoing ocean literacy discourse and deepens our understanding of the multiple conceptual dimensions of ocean identity.

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Open Access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

DOI
10.1038/s44183-023-00025-7
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information

Kelly, M. R., Kasinak, J. M., McKinley, E., McLaughlin, C., Vaudrey, J. M., & Mattei, J. H. (2023). Conceptualizing the construct of ocean identity. npj Ocean Sustainability, 2(article 17). Doi: 10.1038/s44183-023-00025-7