Anthropomorphization is the tendency to ascribe humanlike features and mental states, such as free will and consciousness, to nonhuman beings or inanimate agents. Two studies investigated the consequences of the anthropomorphization of nature on people’s willingness to help victims of natural disasters. Study 1 (N = 96) showed that the humanization of nature correlated negatively with willingness to help natural disaster victims. Study 2 (N = 52) tested for causality, showing that the anthropomorphization of nature reduced participants’ intentions to help the victims. Overall, our findings suggest that humanizing nature undermines the tendency to support victims of natural disasters.

Sacchi, S., Riva, P., Brambilla, M. (2013). When Mother Earth Rises Up: Anthropomorphizing Nature Reduces Support for Natural Disaster Victims. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, 44(4), 271-277 [10.1027/1864-9335/a000112].

When Mother Earth Rises Up: Anthropomorphizing Nature Reduces Support for Natural Disaster Victims

SACCHI, SIMONA;RIVA, PAOLO;BRAMBILLA, MARCO
2013

Abstract

Anthropomorphization is the tendency to ascribe humanlike features and mental states, such as free will and consciousness, to nonhuman beings or inanimate agents. Two studies investigated the consequences of the anthropomorphization of nature on people’s willingness to help victims of natural disasters. Study 1 (N = 96) showed that the humanization of nature correlated negatively with willingness to help natural disaster victims. Study 2 (N = 52) tested for causality, showing that the anthropomorphization of nature reduced participants’ intentions to help the victims. Overall, our findings suggest that humanizing nature undermines the tendency to support victims of natural disasters.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
anthropomorphism, nature perception, help intentions
English
2013
44
4
271
277
none
Sacchi, S., Riva, P., Brambilla, M. (2013). When Mother Earth Rises Up: Anthropomorphizing Nature Reduces Support for Natural Disaster Victims. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, 44(4), 271-277 [10.1027/1864-9335/a000112].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/36502
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