The Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: A Systematic Review

This systematic literature review examines the relationship between Connectedness to Nature (CN) and Pro-Environmental Behaviors (PEBs). Considering the worsening climate change and the current climate emergency, pro-environmental behavior has gained significant attention in the literature. PEBs aim to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive impacts on the environment. Researchers have focused on the Connectedness to Nature as a potential driver of Pro-Environmental Behavior. However, there is no universally agreed definition of this construct, which can be understood as a profound connection with nature. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the existence of a relationship between Connectedness to Nature (CN) and Pro-Environmental Behaviors (PEBs). To determine if such a relationship be identified, this study further attempts to clarify its direction and assess the magnitude of this association. This literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). To identify relevant studies, we searched multiple academic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Sociological Abstracts, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Science Direct, and Academic Search Complete. The search strategy involved the use of the keywords: “Connectedness to Nature” and “Pro-Environmental Behavior”. The search process yielded a total of 2280 records after the removal of duplicates. Among these, only 29 studies met the established inclusion criteria and were therefore selected for analysis. The findings reported in the reviewed literature consistently indicate the existence of a significant and positive relationship between Connectedness to Nature (CN) and Pro-Environmental Behaviors (PEBs), although this association appears to exhibit considerable variability across studies. Overall, individual Pro-Environmental Behaviors showed a stronger association with Connectedness to Nature (CN) compared to activism-related behaviors. The findings of this review highlight the potential value, for practitioners engaged in environmental protection, of promoting and enhancing individuals’ connectedness to the natural world. Strengthening CN may represent an effective strategy to foster Pro-Environmental Behaviors, particularly in relation to sustainable consumption practices and recycling activities.