A synthesis of academic literature on eco-spirituality

This study critically examines the concept of eco-spirituality, exploring its intersection with spirituality and environmental concerns and its profound implications for contemporary society. The objective of this study is to systematically analyze the expanding literature on eco-spirituality and environmental behavior, highlighting key influencers, seminal works, and emerging trends to provide a comprehensive overview and suggest future research directions. The study, based on a compilation of 138 studies, illuminates the significant impact of eco-spirituality in promoting the shift towards environmental sustainability. An in-depth examination of academic literature uncovers key patterns in the realm of eco-spirituality research. Despite emerging in the early 1990s, scholarly attention remained limited until the 21st century, witnessing a significant surge post-2019, indicating growing recognition within academia. Publications predominantly originated from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Switzerland, reflecting global interest and engagement across diverse cultural landscapes. Key journals, including Religions, emerged as prominent platforms, in highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of eco-spirituality research. The study underscores the interdisciplinary nature of eco-spirituality, transcending disciplinary boundaries to incorporate insights from environmental studies, theology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. The synthesis of 138 studies illustrates the crucial contribution of eco-spirituality towards enhancing environmental sustainability, showcasing prominent patterns in academic focus and international dissemination of findings. Scholarly attention to eco-spirituality surged post-2019, resulting in 74 published articles, with 2021 marking the peak at 15 articles and the United States contributing 38 publications. This study highlights the interdisciplinary character of eco-spirituality studies and its capacity to connect theoretical understandings with real-world implementations, advocating for inclusive methodologies and encouraging exploration beyond the confines of academia. This study contributes to meaningful societal change through environmental education, community engagement, and policy development. While acknowledging limitations such as database constraints and language bias, the study offers a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted impacts of eco-spirituality on individuals and communities. It encourages additional investigation into the interconnectedness of spirituality, environmental ethics, and sustainable development. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of eco-spirituality in fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. The study’s novelty lies in its revelation of how eco-spirituality plays a transformative role in advancing environmental sustainability and connecting diverse perspectives from different fields to real-world implementations. By synthesizing existing evidence and highlighting avenues for future research, it contributes to ongoing discussions on the role of spirituality in shaping human interactions with the natural world, ultimately empowering individuals and communities to enact meaningful change and promote a more harmonious relationship with the planet.