Feeling the Nature to Foster Sustainability: The Mediating Role of (Self) Compassion

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated that empathy and compassion are significant predictors of pro-environmental and sustainable behaviors. Nevertheless, these studies do not clarify how the relationship between empathy and compassion and consequent pro-social behavior develops. How can feeling the emotion of nature’s suffering move compassion and activate behaviors that support the environment? This study aimed to verify whether self-compassion could act as a mediator in the relationship between empathy with nature and compassion, which in turn is associated with pro-environmental behaviors. A serial mediation model was analyzed on a sample of N = 1213 individuals. The results showed that women had higher levels of empathy with nature, compassion, uncompassionate behaviors toward themselves, and pro-environmental behaviors than males. Furthermore, the serial mediation model was confirmed, demonstrating that our initial hypotheses were supported. Self-compassion and compassion served as partial mediators in the relationship between empathy with nature and pro-environmental behaviors. Additionally, we observed the direct effects of both empathy and self-compassion on pro-environmental behaviors. The findings suggest that fostering self-compassion and compassion through targeted interventions may enhance individuals’ pro-environmental behaviors, especially by leveraging their empathetic connection with nature. Clinicians and educators could integrate self-compassion training into programs aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.