Research & Sources

How to Read This Page

Connection Compass draws on a blend of research studies, practical resources, influential works, and lived learning across psychology, behavioural science, nature-based practice, and reflective traditions.

Research studies provide evidence for the outcomes referenced across this site. Books, articles, programs, and learning experiences reflect key ideas that have shaped the understanding and ongoing development of Connection Compass.

 

Social Connection

Research Studies

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010).
Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review.
PLoS Medicine.
(Social connection increases chance of life longevity by 50%)

Reports, Books and Articles

U.S. Surgeon General (2023)
Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 

Nature Connection

Research Studies

Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. (2019).
Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers
Frontiers in Psychology
(Being in nature for 20 minutes reduces stress and boosts mood)

White, M., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., et al (2019)
Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing
Sci Rep 9, 7730

Ivers R, Astell-Burt T.  (2023)
Nature Rx: Nature prescribing in general practice
Australian Journal of General Practice


Books and Articles

Richard Louv (2005)
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From a Nature-Deficit Disorder
Note: Revised editions have extended the Nature-Deficit Disorder also to adults.

 

Self Connection

Research Studies

Neff, K. D. (2003).
Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualisation of a healthy attitude toward oneself.
Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101


Books and Articles

Byron Katie (2005)
I Need Your Love – Is it True?
Harmony Books
(Supports reflective inquiry and awareness of thought patterns.)

Barbara Fredrickson (2013)
Love 2.0: Finding Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection
Penguin Books
(Explores the role of positive emotions and connection in resilience and wellbeing.)

Dr Erin Eatough (2022)
The Hidden Benefits of Self-Compassion
Betterup.com
(Self-compassion increases inner-resilience by 33%)

Spirit Connection

Books, Podcasts, Articles and Learning Experiences

Greater Good Science Centre (UC Berkeley)
(Research and articles on meaning, compassion, and wellbeing)

Rob Bell
Books (How to Be Here), Podcast (The Robcast), and in-person workshops exploring meaning, purpose, curiosity, and the evolving nature of belief and perspective.

 

Public Religion Research Institute (2017)
Searching for Spirituality in the U.S.: A New Look at the Spiritual but Not Religious
(Percentage of individuals identifying as spiritual who report high life satisfaction (61–70%), compared to 47% of those identifying as neither spiritual nor religious.)
 

Mentorship and Ongoing Learning


Chris Knight and Tess Mallet
Participation in the Freedom Together community, along with long-term coaching support, has informed ongoing reflection around responsibility, personal alignment, and responding thoughtfully to life’s challenges.