Empathetic Connection to Nature: A Mechanism of Action Between Nature Engagement, Child Psychological Wellbeing, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour

Abstract

There is growing concern worldwide regarding both child psychological wellbeing and environmental degradation. Nature engagement has been suggested to be both beneficial for child wellbeing as well as increasing pro-environmental behaviour, making it an attractive site of intervention for these concerns. As an emerging field of research, the mechanisms linking nature engagement with psychological wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour are not well understood and lack empirical evidence. Using path analysis, we explore how nature engagement effects pro-environmental behaviour and psychological wellbeing through an empathetic connection to nature. In a sample of 349 Australian primary school children, we found that nature engagement was positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviour (β=0.17, p<.05), and that this relationship was partially mediated by empathetic connection (indirect effect: β= 0.1472, p<.05). Despite no direct effect of nature engagement on psychological wellbeing being evident (p>.05), there was a significant indirect effect, with nature engagement being positively associated with empathetic connection (β=0.46, p<.05), and empathetic connection in turn being associated with wellbeing (β=0.13, p<.05). Our findings contribute to the growing body of nature engagement research and gives new insight into mechanisms of action. Additionally, the school context in which data was collected can be used to advocate for greater incorporation of nature engagement within school curriculums.