The Joint Role of Political Interest and Empathy in Pro-Environmental Behaviour

This study investigated whether empathy moderates the relationship between political interest and pro-environmental behaviour. Political interest is discussed as a motivating factor for political participation, including actions to promote environmental change. Empathy has been proposed as a moderator in this relationship, with politically interested empathic individuals reporting more pro-environmental behaviour. This was examined using a moderated multiple regression analysis (N = 210). This study used two components of empathy, perspective taking and empathic concern, both being associated with pro-environmental behaviour in literature. Political interest was measured with two variables: interest in politics and following of politics. Results indicated that empathic concern moderated this relationship with a small effect (semipartial correlation = .16), while perspective taking was not significant. Higher empathic concern and following of politics were associated with more pro...Show moreThis study investigated whether empathy moderates the relationship between political interest and pro-environmental behaviour. Political interest is discussed as a motivating factor for political participation, including actions to promote environmental change. Empathy has been proposed as a moderator in this relationship, with politically interested empathic individuals reporting more pro-environmental behaviour. This was examined using a moderated multiple regression analysis (N = 210). This study used two components of empathy, perspective taking and empathic concern, both being associated with pro-environmental behaviour in literature. Political interest was measured with two variables: interest in politics and following of politics. Results indicated that empathic concern moderated this relationship with a small effect (semipartial correlation = .16), while perspective taking was not significant. Higher empathic concern and following of politics were associated with more pro-environmental behaviour. These findings highlight the importance of fostering empathy and developing more effective communication strategies to motivate individuals towards increased pro-environmental behaviour.Show less

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The Joint Role of Political Interest and Empathy in Pro-Environmental Behaviour