Meaning in Life Mediates the Association between Environmental Engagement and Loneliness.

Fanli Jia,Michael W Pratt,Kyle Matsuba,Kendall Soucie

doi:10.3390/ijerph18062897

Abstract

Although the positive outcomes of human–environment interactions have been established, research examining the motivation between engagement in pro-environmental activities and psychological well-being is limited. In this mixed-methods study, the relationship between pro-environmental engagement, meaning in life, and well-being, including loneliness and depression, were investigated in a sample of 112 young adults in Canada. It was found that engaging in pro-environmental activities was negatively associated with loneliness. This association was mediated by meaning in life (e.g., an intrinsic motive of caring for future generations). In addition, qualitative analyses explored how engaging in pro-environmental activities has a meaningful impact on meaning in life, and on well-being. A thematic analysis generated three unique themes: (1) responsibility to teach the next generation about the environment, (2) deep appreciation for and connection to nature, and (3) renewed agency through self-directed learning. Overall, findings suggest that meaning in life is a core motive that underlies the association between environmental engagement and loneliness. The present study enriched the relationship between pro-environmentalism and well-being with a mixed-methods perspective.

Highlights

The synergies of human–nature interaction and psychological well-being have gained considerable attention in the fields of Psychology and Public Health
Engaging pro-environmental activities was significantly correlated with generative concern, loneliness, and gender
In the current mixed methods study, we explored if generative concern was a motive that fostered well-being in a community sample of Canadian young adults

Summary

Introduction

Recent studies indicate that the interaction between humans and nature promotes increased well-being, physical activity, improved quality of life, and may reduce levels of depression and loneliness, e.g., [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Human–nature interactions exist in many forms, such as experiencing and/or connecting with nature; visiting parks; walking in green spaces; and engaging pro-environmental activities [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Some pro-environmental activities such as recycling, donating, saving wild species, or organizing an environmental petition do not necessarily involve outdoor engagement with nature, individuals may view these activities as meaningful for themselves and for future generations. We examined the relationship between engaging in proenvironmental activities and well-being (depression and loneliness). We investigated one possible motivational factor, meaning in life, as a potential mechanism underlying this association [7]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion