Groen, Silke (2026) Understanding Demographic Influences on Pro-Environmental Behaviour Reported After a Nature-Based Experience. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
In this study, I investigated how demographic factors specifically living environment and educational attainment, influence self-reported pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) following a nature-based experience. PEB was defined through three lenses: sustainable living practices, everyday activism, and political engagement. My goal was to determine whether the motivational benefits of nature exposure are consistent across diverse groups or if they are shaped by an individual's background. Drawing on prior research, I hypothesized that individuals from small-town or rural areas and those with higher educational attainment would report higher levels of PEB. These expectations were based on the idea that rural residency provides more direct opportunities for environmental action, while higher education offers the cognitive resources to translate concern into behaviour. To test this, I conducted a cross-sectional study with 62 participants who had visited a natural area within the previous six months. The results, however, revealed no significant effects of living environment, education level, or their interaction on reported PEB. Participants across urban, suburban, and rural settings, regardless of their educational background, reported relatively consistent levels of sustainable behaviour. These findings contrast with much of the existing literature that identifies demographic background as a stable predictor of environmental action in habitual, everyday contexts. I concluded that nature experiences may serve as a "shared situational trigger". The immediate emotional and cognitive response to nature exposure appears to temporarily outweigh the influence of stable demographic traits, effectively narrowing the "attitude-behaviour gap". This suggests that nature-based programs are inclusive, universal tools for promoting environmental responsibility. Consequently, I recommend that policymakers prioritize accessible, universal nature programs to foster environmental engagement across all social boundaries, rather than focusing on targeted interventions.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Saila Kumar, S. and Schmitt, A. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Feb 2026 11:36 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Feb 2026 11:36 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6235 |
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