EXPLORING THE RESOURCES OF COMPASSION AND NATURE CONNECTEDNESS TO DEVELOP THE PROACTIVE COPING STRATEGIES

Abstract

This article discusses the complexity of proactive coping strategies in the light of the research of the psychological constructs of compassion and nature connectedness. The proactive coping process was conceptualized as a positively-focused striving for goal. It is regarded as future-oriented, goal management and positive motivated. The dynamic of this process involves resources accumulation, preventing resource depletion and mobilizing resources when needed. The present study aims to explore the link among compassion (towards the humans as well as towards the environment), nature connectedness (as a basic human psychological need) and proactive coping strategies. It is expected that if someone is compassionate and has a psychological/emotional connection with nature, it is more likely to deal successfully with present and future threats to personal goals, health or well-being. Statistical results confirmed this hypothesis. The results of the present research could be used to design personal optimization and development interventions to promote proactive coping strategies in the field of counseling and psychotherapy.