The relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental behavioral intentions: the mediating role of nature connectedness

Introduction: To investigate the influence of place attachment on pro-environmental behavioral intentions and the mediating role of nature connectedness. Methods: Study 1 employed a questionnaire survey method with 1,019 university students as research participants. Study 2 recruited 160 participants and used an experimental method to manipulate place attachment to examine its effects on nature connectedness and pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Results: The results of both studies consistently demonstrated that place attachment positively predicts pro-environmental behavioral intentions and nature connectedness partially mediates the relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Specifically, place attachment not only directly promotes pro-environmental behavioral intentions but also indirectly facilitates such intentions through nature connectedness. Discussion: These findings indicate that fostering place attachment and a sense of connectedness to nature may serve as effective pathways for encouraging individuals to engage in more pro-environmental behaviors. This provides empirical evidence to inform the design of relevant interventions and the formulation of environmental policies.