Uncovering the link between mindfulness and sustainability: does mindfulness practice influence pro-environmental behaviours?
File(s)
Author(s)
Thiermann, Ute Barbara
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Environmental scientists are struggling to design interventions that promote long lasting pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) change in individuals. While researchers have gathered compelling evidence that mindfulness practices positively affect personal well-being and pro-social behaviours, less is known about their relationship with PEB and if their widespread promotion could help promoting a more sustainable society. To contribute to this knowledge gap, this thesis investigates the following research question: Do mindfulness practitioners show higher levels of PEB and if so, which mechanisms explain the link between practicing mindfulness and improved PEB?
This thesis progresses through three key analytical stages: First, a comprehensive literature review looks at the common definitions and operationalisation of the four core concepts constituting the research question. The second component explores the theoretical foundations of PEB change and suggests a new theoretical framework: the 2-pathway model of pro-environmental behaviours and experiential strategies for behaviour change (e. g. nature exposure, mindfulness). The third analytical step is an empirical evaluation of the research question in form of an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. A cross-sectional survey with 300 non-practitioners, novice meditators and advanced meditators shows that advanced meditators have the lowest environmental impact associated with their animal-protein consumption and are most motivated to act in favour of the environment. The second study is based on semi-structured interviews with 18 volunteers from the survey sample and uses reflexive thematic analysis under a critical realist perspective. The analysis reveals five themes explaining the link between mindfulness practice and PEB: deepening mindfulness, awakening of the mind, awakening of the heart, internalisation of environmental motivation and eudaimonic well-being. At the end of the empirical section, the common themes and factors linking mindfulness and sustainability are presented in a dynamic network model, and the results of the mixed-methods study are triangulated in one global discussion which concludes with recommendations for policy making and future research.
The thesis demonstrates that mindfulness practices classify as a successful experiential strategy to change PEB, once practitioners develop the necessary self-regulation skills, relational capacities, and moral autonomy through their long-term commitment to integrating mindful living principles into their daily lives. The process of change is personal and depends on a dynamic network of factors, all funnelling towards the development of an embodied and compassionate connection with others and the natural world that helps to internalise the motivation for sustainable living and creates eudaimonic well-being.
This thesis progresses through three key analytical stages: First, a comprehensive literature review looks at the common definitions and operationalisation of the four core concepts constituting the research question. The second component explores the theoretical foundations of PEB change and suggests a new theoretical framework: the 2-pathway model of pro-environmental behaviours and experiential strategies for behaviour change (e. g. nature exposure, mindfulness). The third analytical step is an empirical evaluation of the research question in form of an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. A cross-sectional survey with 300 non-practitioners, novice meditators and advanced meditators shows that advanced meditators have the lowest environmental impact associated with their animal-protein consumption and are most motivated to act in favour of the environment. The second study is based on semi-structured interviews with 18 volunteers from the survey sample and uses reflexive thematic analysis under a critical realist perspective. The analysis reveals five themes explaining the link between mindfulness practice and PEB: deepening mindfulness, awakening of the mind, awakening of the heart, internalisation of environmental motivation and eudaimonic well-being. At the end of the empirical section, the common themes and factors linking mindfulness and sustainability are presented in a dynamic network model, and the results of the mixed-methods study are triangulated in one global discussion which concludes with recommendations for policy making and future research.
The thesis demonstrates that mindfulness practices classify as a successful experiential strategy to change PEB, once practitioners develop the necessary self-regulation skills, relational capacities, and moral autonomy through their long-term commitment to integrating mindful living principles into their daily lives. The process of change is personal and depends on a dynamic network of factors, all funnelling towards the development of an embodied and compassionate connection with others and the natural world that helps to internalise the motivation for sustainable living and creates eudaimonic well-being.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2021-02
Date Awarded
2021-04
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Sheate, William
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Grant Number
1917483
Publisher Department
Centre for Environmental Policy
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)