Exploring the Relationship Between Social Identity, Connectedness to Nature, and Environmental Attitudes Among Young Adults (A Case of Young Adults in Higher Education Institutions in Ekiti State)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V1E5/2025-06Keywords:
Social Identity, Connectedness to Nature, Environmental Attitudes, Young Adults, Environmental Education, Ekiti State, Nigeria.Abstract
This research explored the relationship between social identity, connectedness with nature, and environmental attitudes among young adults in higher education institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 respondents aged 18-25 were selected through multistage stratified random sampling from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Data were collected using standardized measures: the Social Identity Scale, the Connectedness to Nature Scale, and the Environmental Attitudes Inventory. Data were analyzed with SPSS, utilizing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between social identity and environmental attitudes (r = .542, p < .01), indicating that young adults with stronger group identities tend to hold more positive environmental views. Mediation analysis showed that connectedness to nature partially mediates this relationship (indirect effect β = 0.18, 95% CI [0.11, 0.26]), with emotional attachment to nature serving as a key pathway through which social belonging translates into environmental concern. Moderation tests indicated that gender significantly influences the strength of this relationship, with females exhibiting a stronger correlation between social identity and environmental attitudes (β = 0.12, p = .017). There was no significant moderating effect of residential background. Conclusion, social identity and connectedness with nature are vital predictors of environmental attitudes among young adults, with gender being a notable influencing factor. Based on these findings, it is recommended that environmental education programs and campus campaigns leverage social organizations such as student unions, clubs, and peer networks to promote pro-environmental norms.
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