Egalitarian and Continuity-Based Views Mediate the Link Between Nonreligiosity and Concern for Animals in a Judeo–Christian Context
Egalitarian and Continuity-Based Views Mediate the Link Between Nonreligiosity and Concern for Animals in a Judeo–Christian Context
StatusPost-Print
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Authors
Rabinovitch, Aleksandra
Michał Parzuchowski
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Date
2025-10-07
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Journal of Environmental Psychology
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Volume
107
Pages
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1-12
ISSN
0272-4944
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Access date
2027-10-07
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Among individuals within the Judeo-Christian tradition, are atheists more likely than religious adherents to endorse and engage in pro-animal actions in their immediate environment? Across three studies, we examined the link between nonreligiosity and pro-animal attitudes. Study 1 (N = 253) found that both religious and nonreligious individuals favor their own group, perceiving it as more representative of those who help animals. However, the results of two subsequent studies showed that nonreligious participants were generally more supportive of pro-animal actions than religious individuals. In Study 2 (N = 133), atheists and agnostics showed greater support for protecting migrating amphibians, a relationship mediated by lower ecological dominance. In Study 3 (N = 461), atheistic beliefs predicted stronger support for rescuing animals during a flood and a higher willingness to donate to this cause, driven by heightened perceptions of human-animal similarity. These effects persisted after controlling for political orientation. Our findings suggest that nonreligiosity is linked to a less anthropocentric (less hierarchical) worldview, recognizing the similarities between humans and other animals. This perspective may foster greater concern for animal welfare.
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Keywords EN
Atheism
Religiosity
Pro-animal attitudes
Animal welfare concerns
Ecological dominance orientation
Perceived human-animal similarity
Religiosity
Pro-animal attitudes
Animal welfare concerns
Ecological dominance orientation
Perceived human-animal similarity
Keywords other
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Indywidualizacja zwierząt i jej związek z instrumentalnym traktowaniem zwierząt przez dorosłych i dzieci
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