Selflessness predicts pro-environmental behavior via unity with nature

Journal of Environmental Psychology. 2026. Vol. 113. Article 103124.

Sautkina E., Bonnefoy B., Osin E.

Several theories suggest that individual differences in the notion of the self are associated with relationship to nature and pro-environmental behavior. However, the diversity of existing theories makes it difficult to test this hypothesis in a comprehensive way. We combined a wide range of relevant constructs to explore whether self-centeredness (operationalized as a combination of egocentrism and materialism) and selflessness (a combination of self-transcendence and eudaimonic motives) predict pro-environmental behavior. We also explored whether this relationship is mediated by unity with nature (a combination of biospheric concern, connectedness to nature, nature spirituality, and nature identity). We applied structural equation modelling to data coming from a French student sample (N = 465) and a broadly representative panel sample from Russia (N = 475). In the first model, a single selflessness factor defined by self-transcendence, eudaimonic motives, and two negative indicators, egocentrism and materialism, was positively related to pro-environmental behavior. This effect was mediated by unity with nature, and the findings were consistent across countries. The second model with separate self-centeredness and selflessness factors has revealed that selflessness was a moderate positive correlate of pro-environmental behavior, and this effect was fully mediated by unity with nature in both countries. In turn, self-centeredness was a weak negative predictor of pro-environmental behavior in both countries. In Russia, however, Self-centeredness was positively associated with unity with nature, showing a small positive indirect effect on pro-environmental behavior. These findings suggest that selflessness is related to pro-environmental behavior by helping to cultivate a sense of unity with nature. Self-centered individuals may show environmentalism for different reasons, such as survival goals or material well-being, and this effect may differ across cultures.

Keywords: materialism, self-transcendence, eudaimonia, pro-environmental behaviour, egocentrism, Selflessness, unity with nature