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

Author

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  • Giulia Ballarotto

    (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Heath Studies, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Valerio Ghezzi

    (Department of Psychology, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Patrizia Velotti

    (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Heath Studies, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Ballarotto & Valerio Ghezzi & Patrizia Velotti, 2025. "Feeling the Nature to Foster Sustainability: The Mediating Role of (Self) Compassion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:351-:d:1560755
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Noor AlQallaf & Dalia W. Elnagar & Sherif G. Aly & Khalil I. Elkhodary & Rami Ghannam, 2024. "Empathy, Education, and Awareness: A VR Hackathon’s Approach to Tackling Climate Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Elisa Menardo & Margherita Brondino & Margherita Pasini, 2020. "Adaptation and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (PEBS)," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 6907-6930, October.
    3. Zhuxuan Yan & Juliann Cortese, 2023. "I Can Feel Your Pain: Investigating the Role of Empathy and Guilt on Sustainable Behavioral Intentions to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Plastic Bags among College Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
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    1. Cameron T. Whitley & Linda Kalof & L. C. Urquhart & Nate Tatem & Melissa Mair & Katya Ankoudinova & Ingrid Haight & Eva Meglathery & Matthew Worden & Daniella Wilkinson & Megan Schulz & Kathryn Nevill, 2025. "Photo Portraiture Enhances Empathy for Birds with Potential Benefits for Conservation and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-16, October.

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