Gratitude to nature: Presenting a theory of its conceptualization, measurement, and effects on pro-environmental behavior

Feeling grateful to nature for its bountiful benefits humans and wanting give thanks is a familiar theme in personal stories cultural rituals, but this emotional experience has rarely been understood scientifically. The present research fills gap by presenting theory of gratitude nature. Findings from four correlational studies two experiments show some support propositions. Gratitude can be conceptualized as form benefit-triggered gratitude. distinction between trait state was found valid, both forms reliably measured. Trait associated with constructs relevant the human-nature relationship (e.g., nature, connectedness anthropomorphism nature) interpersonal Also, not only intention perform pro-environmental behavior also actual donation environmental causes. Experimental manipulation had behavioral effect, effect robust. offers novel insights into understanding humans’ relations responses problems. It suggests potential directions education communication.