How Does Mindfulness Affect Pro-environmental Behaviors? A Qualitative Analysis of the Mechanisms of Change in a Sample of Active Practitioners

Abstract

Objectives While there is theoretical and empirical evidence for a positive relationship between mindfulness and pro-environmental behaviors, so far research into mindfulness-based sustainability trainings with meditation novices yielded underwhelming results. At the same time, there is a lack of qualitative research into the mindfulness and sustainability nexus. The objective of this qualitative research was to study the potential mechanisms linking mindfulness practices and individual engagement in pro-environmental behaviors in a sample of meditators. Methods This research is based on a reflexive thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with active meditators, analyzed under a constructivist epistemology and experiential orientation to data interpretation. Results Five themes describe the mindfulness-induced behavior changes experienced by the interviewees: awakening of the mind (self-regulation), awakening of the heart (relational capacities), internalizing environmental motivation, eudaimonic well-being, and deepening mindfulness. A thematic map displays the multitude of factors mediating the process of change. Conclusions This study revealed that for those interviewed, the degree to which mindfulness practices can encourage pro-environmental behaviors depends on the level of individual commitment towards mindfulness as a lifestyle. Particularly, the integration of mindful living principles in form of the informal practice of mindfulness plays a key role to implement behavior change. Yet even though this research identified five positive factors for change, the specific context of the interviewee sample combined with general methodological drawbacks call for a careful interpretation of the results regarding its applicability to the general population. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the mindfulness-sustainability nexus and shows the potential of qualitative methods to research complex intra-individual change processes and long-term behavior change.

How consumer networks contribute to sustainable mindful consumption and well‐being

“…Interconnectedness or often called self‐nature interconnectedness, means that everything is dependent on everything else—be it other people or natural processes, and has its origin in Buddhism. A sense of interconnectedness, both with nature and other people, can foster pro‐environmental behavior as it leads to experiencing personal well‐being as dependent on the well‐being of others and of nature (Thiermann & Sheate, 2022). Interconnectedness is also associated with mental well‐being, social connectedness, and mindfulness, among other things (Unsworth et al, 2016; Yu et al, 2020).…”

Expanding consumer mindfulness for collective sustainable well‐being: Overview of the special issue and future research directions

“…There is growing evidence that a commitment to mindfulness and a mindful lifestyle increases a sense of interconnectedness with other people and nature. This leads to not only pro‐environmental behavior (Thiermann & Sheate, 2022) but also enhances people's experience of well‐being and social connectedness (Unsworth et al, 2016; Yu et al, 2020).…”

“…There is growing evidence about the importance of informal practices. For example, a recent study by Birtwell et al (2019) discovered that the “frequency of informal mindfulness is more important for well‐being and psychological flexibility than frequency or duration of formal mindfulness practice.” Further, the integration of informal practices as a commitment toward mindfulness as a lifestyle plays an important role in encouraging pro‐environmental behaviors and behavior change (Thiermann & Sheate, 2022).…”

“…There is growing evidence that a commitment to mindfulness and a mindful lifestyle increases a sense of interconnectedness with other people and nature. This leads to not only pro-environmental behavior (Thiermann & Sheate, 2022) but also enhances people's experience of well-being and social connectedness (Unsworth et al, 2016;Yu et al, 2020). Parvatiyar and Sheth (2023) offer four critical interventions at the societal level that would promote sustainable consumption that benefits society and nature: education for transformative social learning; alternative hedonism; advertising, TV, and social media messaging; and creating an engagement forum for all like-minded people devoted to the cause.…”

“…Interconnectedness is an important theme in Buddhist psychology that can help people see their connection with a universe that is bigger than their immediate circle of loved ones and can help develop altruistic motivations (Thiermann & Sheate, 2022). However, it has been understudied in mindfulness research within marketing.…”