Research
People and Nature
I am interested in the behavioral and psychological dimensions of human-nature relationships. I explore the potential for developing theories about these connections by referencing existing theories on interpersonal relationships. Some of my work in this area includes studies on the anthropomorphism of nature, connectedness to nature, empathy with nature, and, most recently, gratitude toward nature. I examine the diverse experiences people have with nature in urban settings and how these interactions contribute to their health and well-being. Recently, I have also expanded my focus to the significance of nature-based activities within educational contexts.
Key publications
Tam, K-P. (2022). Gratitude to nature: Presenting a theory of its conceptualization, measurement, and effects on pro-environmental behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 79, 101754.
Tam, K-P. (2019). Anthropomorphism of nature, environmental guilt, and pro-environmental behavior. Sustainability, 11(19), 5430.
Tam, K-P. (2013). Dispositional empathy with nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 35, 92-104.
Tam, K-P. (2013). Concepts and measures related to connection to nature: Similarities and differences. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34, 64-78.
Tam, K-P., Lee, S-L., & Chao, M. M. (2013). Saving Mr. Nature: Anthropomorphism enhances connectedness to and protectiveness toward nature. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 49, 514-521.
Cross-Cultural Environmental Psychology
It is widely recognized that mainstream psychological knowledge has been developed based on a very narrow geographical representation of humans, mostly from the United States and other Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations. Two recent review articles of mine demonstrated that the field of environmental psychology is no exception to this problem. With this concern in mind, I have introduced cross-cultural environmental psychology, a meta-theoretial perspective emphasizing the need for culturally informed theories and methods that positions people’s interactions with natural and built environments as embedded in sociocultural contexts.
Key publications
Tam, K-P. (2025). Culture and pro-environmental behavior. Current Opinion in Psychology, 62, 101986.
Tam, K-P., & Milfont, T. L. (2020). Towards cross-cultural environmental psychology: A state-of-the-art review and recommendations. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 71, 101474.
Tam, K-P. (2020). Understanding the psychology X politics interaction behind environmental activism: The roles of governmental trust, density of environmental NGOs, and democracy. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 71, 101330.
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2018). Generalized trust narrows the gap between environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior: Multilevel evidence. Global Environmental Change, 48, 182-194.
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2017). Environmental concern has a weaker association with pro-environmental behavior in some societies than others: A cross-cultural psychology perspective. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 53, 213-223
Human Responses to Climate Change
The impacts of climate change are already felt in every corner of the world, and humanity is locked to even more severe and intense impacts in the near future. Urgent action in terms of both mitigation and adaptation is needed. In recognition of this pressing need, I have dedicated the past several years to exploring new research avenues focused on the issue of climate change. I analyze how individuals respond to climate change, focusing on the psychological processes that drive potential solutions. I study climate action, climate change anxiety, policy support, and climate resilience.
Key publications
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2025). Perception of global norm of government climate action and support for domestic climate policies. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 106, 102694.
Zhang, Q., Chen, G., & Tam, K-P. (2025). Climate change information seeking: A scoping review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 106, 102742.
Günther, A., Engel, L., Hornsey, M., Nielsen, L., Roy, J., Steg, L., Tam, K-P., Van Valkengoed, A., Wolske, K., Wong-Parodi, G., & Hahnel, U. (2025). Psychological and contextual determinants of clean energy technology adoption. Nature Reviews Clean Technology, 1, 547–565.
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2023). Conspiracy theories and climate change: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 91, 102129.
Tam, K-P., Chan, H-W., & Clayton, S. (2023). Climate change anxiety in China, India, Japan, and the United States. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 87, 101991.