Abstract
The influence of environmental attitudes on environmental behaviors has long been discussed. However, few studies have addressed the foundation of such attitudes. In the present study, we explored primitive belief underlying environmental attitudes, i.e., connections with nature, and its relationship with pro-environmental behaviors. Specifically, we used scales, a computerized Implicit Association Test, and a situational simulation experiment to examine both explicit and implicit connections with nature, both deliberate and spontaneous environmental behaviors, and to find correlations between environmental connectedness and environmental behaviors. Results showed that explicit connectedness was positively correlated with deliberate environmental behaviors, while implicit connectedness was positively correlated with spontaneous environmental behaviors. Additionally, explicit and implicit connectedness was independent of each other. In conclusion, the current study confirms the positive role played by connections with nature in promoting environmental behavior, and accordingly suggests means to encourage pro-environmental behavior by enhancing people’s connectedness to nature.
Highlights
Over the last century, along with rapid growth in technology, we have witnessed increasing environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, and global warming
The data were screened according to the principle of 3 standard deviations above or below the mean scores, and we found no outliers in the questionnaires
Our study indicates that explicit connections with nature predict deliberate environmental behaviors, while implicit connections with nature predict spontaneous environmental behaviors
Summary
Along with rapid growth in technology, we have witnessed increasing environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, and global warming. People have gradually acknowledged the substantial influence of human behaviors on the natural world. Research on environmental attitudes, which measures the specific cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of attitudes and concerns towards environmental problems, has been fruitful Set apart from the traditional method, some researchers have attempted to provide theories to explain the development of different attitudes. One example is the New Environmental Paradigm [2, 4], which focuses on the relationship between people and nature, and sees humans as a part of the PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0127247. One example is the New Environmental Paradigm [2, 4], which focuses on the relationship between people and nature, and sees humans as a part of the PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0127247 May 18, 2015
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