The Role of Intergenerational Transmission of Biospheric Values in Young Adults' Pro-Environmental Behaviors and their Psychosocial Mechanisms

The global community has become more aware of the seriousness of the environmental situation, and, as a consequence, psychological research has changed its focus: from the quantifications of the damages caused by man to the study of the inter- and intra-individual dynamics which inspire pro-environmental vs. harmful behaviors. In this regard, the psychological literature has identified several determinants of Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB), such as values, attitudes, and norms, also considered in comprehensive models (e.g. the Value-Belief-Norm Theory). Less investigation has been devoted to the role of emotions and identity processes. In addition, the relevance of intergenerational transmission processes in PEBs of young adults has recently started gaining attention. The aim of this paper was to investigate the relationships between the intergenerational transmission of biospheric values and young adults’ PEBs, considering their cognitive, emotional, and identity processes within a comprehensive framework. An online survey was administered to 172 Italian young adults, measuring the following variables: Maternal, paternal, and personal Biospheric Values; Environmental Concern (NEP); Connectedness to Nature (CNS); Dispositional Empathy with Nature (DEN); Environmental Identity (EID); and PEBs. HMR Analyses were performed for different PEBs in order to identify the pattern of associations between the considered variables. Results showed the existence of the hypothesized chain association between intergenerational transmission of biospheric values, cognitive, emotional and identity processes, and PEBs of young adults. Moreover, different and specific paths of association for each of the PEB analyzed were identified. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the role of emotions and identity processes on PEBs and they shed light on the importance of the intergenerational transmission of values in these mechanisms. The study also has practical implications for environmental education; for example, by suggesting the relevance of direct contact with nature to promote an emotional association with the natural world.