Eco-Sensitive Minds: Clustering Readiness to Change and Environmental Sensitivity for Sustainable Engagement

To counter the consequences of climate change on both planetary and human health, a greater adoption of sustainable behaviors is required. In this context, two factors emerge as potentially crucial: Readiness to Change (RTC) and environmental sensitivity. The study aimed to investigate the interaction between these two constructs and their impact on the engagement of pro-environmental behaviors and levels of eco-anxiety, in order to assess potential differences in behavioral and affective factors that may support the improvement of sustainable habits. Data were anonymously collected online from 947 participants. A Random Forest Clustering (RFC) analysis was performed as well as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to explore differences between the identified clusters in terms of sustainable behaviors and eco-anxiety. The RFC revealed the presence of seven distinct clusters and highlighted that environmental sensitivity plays a key role in defining them. Moreover, the findings showed that high RTC combined with high environmental sensitivity is associated with greater engagement in pro-environmental behaviors and higher levels of eco-anxiety. These results represent a promising groundwork for the development of both future studies in this field of research and targeted educational and awareness programs addressing the climate crisis.