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Nature connection and adolescents' pro-environmental behavior: an analysis based on chain mediation
Xueping Qie1, Yali Tian2, Yu Ma3
1College of Teacher Education, Ningxia University, Ningxia Yinchuan, 750021, China.
BMC Psychology
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Adolescents who feel connected to nature are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Empathy with nature and moral identity act as key mediators in this relationship.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Behavior
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in adolescents is crucial for environmental sustainability.
- Nature connection is increasingly recognized as a potential driver of pro-environmental attitudes and actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating roles of empathy with nature and moral identity in the relationship between nature connection and PEB among adolescents.
- To construct and test a chain mediation model examining these associations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 379 adolescents (aged 12-16) in Yunnan Province, China.
- Statistical analyses were employed to examine correlations and test the proposed mediation model.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations were found between nature connection, empathy with nature, moral identity, and PEB.
- Empathy with nature and moral identity demonstrated a significant chain mediating effect between nature connection and PEB.
Conclusions:
- Nature connection influences adolescent pro-environmental behavior through cognitive-emotional pathways involving empathy with nature and moral identity.
- Findings offer theoretical insights and practical strategies for promoting environmental stewardship in young people.
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