Gratitude to nature and pro-environmental behaviour: A moderated mediated model

Abstract

We examined the relationship between trait gratitude to nature and pro-environmental behaviours, and the roles of anthropomorphism and connectedness to nature within this relationship. University students (n = 966; female = 47.09%; mean age = 20.75 years, SD = 1.42 years) were recruited through cluster sampling. We utilised PROCESS to establish a moderated mediation model, revealing that trait gratitude to nature was associated with pro-environmental behaviours. Connectedness to nature partially mediated the relationship between trait gratitude to nature and pro-environmental behaviours. Furthermore, anthropomorphism towards nature moderated both the direct effects and the initial mediating pathways of trait gratitude to nature’s impact on pro-environmental behaviours. These findings align with the theory of gratitude to nature, indicating that individuals high in anthropomorphism towards nature experience a stronger influence of trait gratitude on their perceived connectedness to nature, leading to increased engagement in pro-environmental behaviours.