Highly sensitive children and pro-environmental behaviours: the mediating role of connectedness to nature

This study examined the association between children’s high sensitivity (HSC) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB), with connectedness to nature (CN) as a mediator. Consistent with the Environmental Sensitivity framework, it was hypothesized that higher levels of HSC would be associated with greater engagement in PEB through stronger emotional connectedness to nature. Mediation analyses indicated that HSC was positively associated with CN, which, in turn, significantly predicted affective, verbal, and behavioral dimensions of PEB. CN partially mediated the relationship between HSC and overall PEB, accounting for 37.3% of the total effect. Notably, CN fully mediated the association between HSC and behavioral commitment, as the direct effect was not statistically significant. These findings align with prior research in adult samples, suggesting that heightened responsiveness to environmental stimuli enhances emotional connectedness to nature and promotes sustainable behaviors. Despite limitations, including the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-report measures, the findings underscore the role of CN in fostering PEB among highly sensitive children. Future research should examine additional mediating mechanisms and interventions to strengthen CN and support environmental responsibility in childhood.