Work

The role of nature relatedness on environmental ethics awareness and environmental behavior among young adults: a moderated mediation model of environmental organization membership

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This study seeks to clarify the role of environmental ethics awareness as a mediator and environmental organization membership as a moderator in the relationship between nature relatedness and environmental behavior among young adults. Methods: The participants consist of 693 young adults (Mage = 22.45 ± 4.37, 60.8% were female). We collected data using a personal information form, the Environmental Ethics Awareness Scale, the Nature Relatedness Scale, and Environmental Behavior Scale. We examined relationships among variables using Pearson's correlation and moderated mediation analysis using Hayes's bootstrapping. Results: The correlation analyses revealed positive relationships between nature relatedness, environmental ethics awareness, environmental behavior, and environmental organization membership. Environmental ethics awareness mediates the correlation between nature relatedness and environmental behavior. The mediational relationship was further conditioned by environmental organization membership. Conclusions: The findings highlight how both personal connection to nature and ethical awareness are related to environmental behavior, with these associations being more pronounced among organization members.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1750175

Authors: Selman Bolukbasi, Nurullah Yelboga, Yahya Aktu

Institutions: Inonu University, Şırnak University, Siirt Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Pro-Environmental Behavior and Attitudes

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801

Funder: Inönü Üniversitesi