Be Good to Your Mother (Earth): The Relationship between Anthropomorphising Nature, Financial Insecurity, and Support for Pro-environmental Policies in the Context of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

Anthropomorphism of nature is known to be related to pro-environmental outcomes; however, little is known about these variables in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The economic impact of the prolonged lockdowns may disrupt the historical relationship between these variables, as financial insecurity may compete with environmental concerns for consideration. This study examined the relationship between anthropomorphism of nature the context of COVID-19, and pro-environmental support, and the potential moderating role of financial insecurity in this relationship. It was hypothesised that anthropomorphism of nature in the context of COVID-19 would have a lesser effect on pro-environmental support for individuals who experienced financial insecurity during the pandemic. Participants ( N =615 ; M age =48.71, SD age =17.50; 70% female) completed self-report measures of anthropomorphism of nature, anthropomorphism of nature in the context of COVID-19, financial insecurity, and a measure of support for pro-environmental policies in the economic recovery from COVID-19. Results demonstrated that, after controlling for general anthropomorphism of nature, anthropomorphism of nature in the context of COVID-19 predicted pro-environmental support ( R 2 = .05, F (4, 610) = 8.36, p < .001). However, contrary to expectation, pro-environmental support was higher in those experiencing financial insecurity compared to those who were financially secure ( B = -2.65, BootSE= .93, p = .004, 95% BootCI [-4.47, -.83]). Financial insecurity also did not moderate the relationship between anthropomorphism of nature in the COVID-19 context and pro-environmental support. Furthermore, the general tendency to anthropomorphise nature was not a significant predictor of support for pro-environmental policies. These findings have important implications for understandings of anthropomorphism, financial insecurity, and environmental protection as well as for public policy on economic recovery in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

How negative anthropomorphic message framing and nostalgia enhance pro-environmental behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: An SEM-NCA approach

“…According to the PLS-SEM results, NAMF had a positive effect on environmental empathy and pro-environmental behavior. These results are in line with previous research (Tam et al, 2013 ; Chang and Wu, 2015 ; Moon et al, 2016 ; Amatulli et al, 2019 ; Liu et al, 2019 ; Tam, 2019 ; Karpinska-Krakowiak et al, 2020 ; Williams et al, 2021a ; Borovik and Pensini, 2022 ). When anthropomorphism is coupled with negative information, empathy is triggered (Slovic, 2010 ) and researchers have found that when negative information is paired with anthropomorphic cues, they are more effective in inspiring green intentions (Karpinska-Krakowiak et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Anthropomorphism has a positive effect on customer preferences, engagement, and purchase intentions (Kim et al, 2016 ; Schroll et al, 2018 ). A study of anthropomorphism and its relationship to nature demonstrated a link between anthropomorphism and environmental concerns (Borovik and Pensini, 2022 ). Minimizing social distance and fostering social connections is critical for assisting people in engaging in pro-environmental behaviors (Schultz, 2002 ).…”

Anthropause appreciation, biophilia, and ecophilosophical contemplations amidst a global pandemic

“…Having directly observed the benefits of a pause to environmentally detrimental activities, it is likely that the public may be supportive of policies and ways of living that can lead to similar outcomes post-pandemic. For instance, in Australia, COVID-19-related anthropomorphism (ascribing human characteristics to non-human entities) was predictive of support for pro-environmental pandemic recovery policies and travel restrictions ( Borovik & Pensini, 2022 ; Pensini & McMullen, 2022 ). In Borovik and Pensini's (2022) study, support was unexpectedly stronger among those experiencing financial insecurity during the pandemic – suggesting a shift in how people typically prioritise their needs.…”

“…For instance, in Australia, COVID-19-related anthropomorphism (ascribing human characteristics to non-human entities) was predictive of support for pro-environmental pandemic recovery policies and travel restrictions ( Borovik & Pensini, 2022 ; Pensini & McMullen, 2022 ). In Borovik and Pensini's (2022) study, support was unexpectedly stronger among those experiencing financial insecurity during the pandemic – suggesting a shift in how people typically prioritise their needs. Hence, rather than solely focusing on economic recoveries, “policymakers should acknowledge and attempt to preserve societal changes which have simultaneously benefited human wellbeing and biodiversity” ( Cooke et al, 2021, p. 113 ).…”

Grounded by Mother Nature’s Revenge

“…Scores were summed, after recoding one reverse-scored item. An example item includes “Nature is sending us a message with the COVID-19 pandemic.” These items have been used previously (e.g., Borovik & Pensini, 2022; Pensini & McMullen, 2022), where they have demonstrated good internal consistency reliability (α = .87–.88). Similarly, in the current study, α = .90.…”