Between Pro-Environmental Identity and Attitudes: A PRISMA Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Pro-Environmental Attitudes for Sustainability

In recent decades, the scientific literature has increasingly linked specific human activities to various environmental issues, with climate change being a prominent concern. Environmental Psychology has thus placed its focus on comprehending the dynamics driving Pro-environmental Behaviors (PEBs). Research spotlights two crucial constructs fueling PEBs: Connectedness to Nature (CTN) and Environmental Attitudes (EAs). In the absence of a well-established model, this systematic review strives to advance the understanding of their compound relationship. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search across Google Scholar, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed, Science Direct, Sociological Abstracts, and Academic Search Complete databases produced 2658 records. Of these records, only 19 studies met the eligibility criteria after passing the abstract selection phase and were consequently included in this systematic review. Our analysis revealed that CTN and EAs are distinct constructs but showed moderate-to-high correlations. This review posits two hypotheses: (i) CTN may function as a dimension of identity and serve as an EA antecedent and (ii) CTN could be a combination of both implicit and explicit EAs. Subsequently, an interaction model is devised to comprehensively elucidate PEB dynamics and guide effective interventions for their promotion in the context of sustainability.