Exploring the Attribution of Essentially Human Traits Across Elements of Nature

This work examines the process of anthropomorphizing nature by investigating whether Human Nature (HN) characteristics from the Dual Model of Dehumanization are attributed to nature and shape people’s mental representations of it. Spanish participants (n = 422) rated humans and 15 elements, distributed across five categories (geographical elements, wild and domesticated plants, and wild and domesticated animals), on HN characteristics (emotional responsiveness, interpersonal warmth, openness, agency, and thinking). Results showed significant differences in HN characteristics across categories. Notably, only agency organized nature along a continuum from geographical elements to humans. The remaining HN characteristics were attributed exclusively to nonhuman animals and humans. These findings suggest a boundary in anthropomorphism between animals and other elements of nature, which may inform proenvironmental strategies.