Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Previous research shows that connectedness to nature and empathy predict environmentally friendly behaviors and intentions. However, mediators within this relationship remain unclear. We suspect that the role of emotions and distress is important, specifically given today's environmental problems and their influence on individual’s well-being and then on their environmental actions. This leads us to the hypothesis that connectedness to nature would predict environmentally friendly behaviors through sequential serial mediators of personal distress and empathetic concern. We tested this hypothesis using a sample of college students at a public liberal arts college who completed a lengthy questionnaire with various environmental questions and measures. Results confirmed the hypothesis and indicated that this was the only significant path involving these mediators in addition to the direct effect between connectedness to nature and environmentally friendly behaviors. These results suggest that emotional response to distress from environmental problems is an important mediator and deserves more attention. This provides important information on how affect can affect behaviors, specifically what may influence individuals pro-environmental behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Gaboury, Alex and Carvalho, Anthony, "220 - Personal Distress and Empathetic Concern Mediate the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Environmentally Friendly Behavior" (2025). GREAT Day Posters. 64.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2025/posters-2025/64
220 - Personal Distress and Empathetic Concern Mediate the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Environmentally Friendly Behavior
Previous research shows that connectedness to nature and empathy predict environmentally friendly behaviors and intentions. However, mediators within this relationship remain unclear. We suspect that the role of emotions and distress is important, specifically given today's environmental problems and their influence on individual’s well-being and then on their environmental actions. This leads us to the hypothesis that connectedness to nature would predict environmentally friendly behaviors through sequential serial mediators of personal distress and empathetic concern. We tested this hypothesis using a sample of college students at a public liberal arts college who completed a lengthy questionnaire with various environmental questions and measures. Results confirmed the hypothesis and indicated that this was the only significant path involving these mediators in addition to the direct effect between connectedness to nature and environmentally friendly behaviors. These results suggest that emotional response to distress from environmental problems is an important mediator and deserves more attention. This provides important information on how affect can affect behaviors, specifically what may influence individuals pro-environmental behaviors.
Comments
Sponsored by Jim Allen