Adolescents' emotional affinity towards nature : a cross-societal study

Abstract

The role of emotional affinity toward nature (EAN) in adolescents is investigated by studying the relationships of EAN with willingness to protect the environment and by comparing the affinity toward nature of adolescents in Germany and Lithuania. Results show that in line with previous research (e.g., Kals, Schumacher, & Montada, 1999), EAN contributes significantly to willingness for pro-environmental commitment, while contact with nature does not have a direct impact on this willingness. Cross-societal differences are found both in EAN and pro-environmental commitments, both being higher in the rural Lithuanian sample. The findings are discussed with regard to the development of EAN and the role of societal factors in explaining proenvironmental action.