The Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Needs Fulfillment in the Relationship Between Natural Connection and Pro-environmental Behavior Among High School Students

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the influence of high school students’ connection to nature on pro-environmental behaviour and the mediating role of basic psychological needs fulfilment. Methods: Employing cluster random sampling, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 601 students at a senior high school in Maoming City. Measurements were taken using the Connection to Nature Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Fulfilment Scale, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour Scale. Pearson correlation analysis and the Bootstrap method via the Process macro were utilised to test the mediating effect. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between natural connectedness, basic psychological needs fulfilment, and pro-environmental behaviour (p<0.01). Basic psychological needs fulfilment partially mediated the relationship between natural connectedness and pro-environmental behaviour, accounting for 44.83% of the total effect. The findings indicate that natural connectedness among secondary school students not only directly influences behavioural choices but also enhances pro-environmental behaviour levels by satisfying fundamental psychological needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This research provides theoretical support for understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying adolescents’ pro-environmental behaviour and offers practical recommendations for environmental education curriculum design.