The Nature of Feeling: Exploring the Relationship Between Nature and Empathy

 

Kira M. Gordon
Dr. Amber Johnson and Dr. Kandice Grossman, Faculty Mentors

This study examines the relationship between individuals’ connectedness with nature and levels of cognitive and affective empathy. Using a quantitative survey method, data was collected from a random sample of Truman State University students. Participants completed the Nature Relatedness Scale to assess their perceived connection to nature and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy to measure two dimensions of empathy. Responses were rated on a five-point Likert scale, allowing for standardized scoring and statistical comparison. Crosstabulations and chi-square analyses were conducted to explore associations between categorical groupings. A Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate the overall relationship between combined nature-based and empathy-based variables. Findings suggest that greater connectedness with nature is associated with higher reported empathy, indicating that nature and empathy may have a meaningful relationship. These results contribute to growing evidence that human–nature relationships may interact positively with emotional awareness and interpersonal connection.

 

Keywords: Empathy, Nature, Environment, Anthropology

Topic(s):Anthropology
Environmental Studies

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA