From self-care to earth care: Uncovering the role of self-compassion in the link between environmental identity and pro-environmental behaviors in young men

Abstract

This study explores the role of self-compassion in promoting eco-friendly behaviors among young Turkish men, focusing on how it mediates the relationship between environmental identity and such behaviors. Involving 323 males aged 18 to 49 from Türkiye (M = 22.03, SD = 2.96), it employed self-report measures to assess environmental identity, self-compassion, and eco-friendly behaviors. The findings revealed positive correlations among these factors, highlighting that self-compassion significantly mediates the link between environmental identity and eco-friendly actions. This suggests that self-compassion might be critical in encouraging young males to engage in environmental conservation. The study underscores the potential of nurturing self-compassion as a strategy to promote eco-friendly behaviors in demographics traditionally less engaged in such practices. These findings can open avenues for environmental campaigns and education programs, focusing on psychological aspects to drive behavioral change.

Keywords

• Pro-environmental behaviors
• environmental identity
• self-compassion
• men

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