The mediating role of empathy between nature connectedness and social–emotional competence among upper-grade Yi ethnic minority pupils in rural Southwest China

This study provides evidence supporting empathy as a significant partial mediator linking nature connectedness to social-emotional competence among rural Yi children. Findings provide empirical support for the pathway within a culturally distinct context, highlighting the synergistic potential of leveraging ethnic ecological-cultural resources (e.g., nature-based rituals, traditional practices) for fostering socio-emotional development in marginalized populations. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs and incorporate multi-informant data.