Gratitude to nature: Presenting a theory of its conceptualization, measurement, and effects on pro-environmental behavior

Abstract

Feeling grateful to nature for its bountiful benefits to humans and wanting to give thanks to nature is a familiar theme in personal stories and cultural rituals, but this emotional experience has rarely been understood scientifically. The present research fills this gap by presenting a theory of gratitude to nature. Findings from four correlational studies and two experiments show some support for its propositions. Gratitude to nature can be conceptualized as a form of benefit-triggered gratitude. The distinction between trait and state gratitude to nature was found to be valid, and both forms of gratitude can be reliably measured. Trait gratitude to nature was associated with some constructs relevant to the human-nature relationship (e.g., experience with nature, connectedness to nature, anthropomorphism of nature) and interpersonal gratitude. Also, trait gratitude to nature was associated with not only intention to perform pro-environmental behavior but also actual donation to environmental causes. Experimental manipulation of gratitude to nature had some behavioral effect, but this effect was not robust. The theory offers novel insights into the understanding of humans’ relations with nature and responses to environmental problems. It also suggests potential directions for environmental education and communication.