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Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 10525

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Dr. Fanli Jia

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07828, USA
Interests: environmental psychology; cultural psychology; developmental psychology; moral identity/value/emotion; sustainable development; well-being; generativity; community/civic engagement; narrative; mixed methods
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is widespread recognition that human impacts on global ecology have reached a critical tipping point in many areas, including climate change, freshwater availability, food security, and ecological migration [1]. Di Fabio and Tsuda [2] provide an overview of a conceptual framework for addressing and potentially mitigating these global concerns, namely the Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development. In integrating sustainability and psychological science, the model provides a transdisciplinary approach to understanding behaviors that promote sustainable leadership and environmental responsibility [2]. Psychological studies have indicated that, as humans, working together within our societal and organizational structures is essential to attaining a more sustainable environment. Therefore, it is crucial to apply the psychological process in sustainable development.

Environmental psychologists have spent the past 40 years exploring ways to promote pro-environmental behavior from household recycling to large scale public policy programs in developmental, social, cognitive, family science and experimental perspectives. However, Medina et al., [3] argued that there is an inadequate number of studies conducted with different social, cultural, ethnic, religious, and political groups. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding these groups' environmental concerns and environmental behaviors. A new perspective on both individual and group levels of environmental concerns and engagement needs to be proposed to resolve the conflicting positions. Researchers should consider different conceptualizations and methodologies related to environmental concerns and climate change actions among different group members.

This collection is primarily focused on (not limited to these) 1. Reviewing previous research on the adoption of climate change practices in the fields of sustainability and psychology. 2. Analyzing the impact of psychological factors on individual actions related to the environment and climate change. 3. Exploring the perspectives and experiences of non-WEIRD cultures and underrepresented populations to better understand the cultural influences on the environment, sustainability, and climate change. 4. Identifying policy recommendations and messaging that reflect the cultural systems, thereby increasing the possibility of creating a united front in the fight against climate change.

References:

IPCC. Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. In D. R. H.-O. Pörtner, Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (p. 3056). 2022, Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Di Fabio, A.; Tsuda, A. The Psychology of Harmony and Harmonization: Advancing the Perspectives for the Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development. Sustainability 2018, 10, 4726. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124726.
Medina, V.; Deronda, A.; Ross, N.; Curtin, D.; Jia, F. Revisiting environmental belief and behavior among ethnic groups in the U.S. Front. Psychol. 2019, 10, 629.

Dr. Fanli Jia
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

psychology of sustainability and climate change
environmental psychology
environmental identity, attitude, and behavior
connectedness with nature and place attachment
cross-culture and diversity
environmental education and policy
health and well-being
family socialization

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Biospheric Values Moderate the Impact of Information Appeals on Pro-Environmental Behavioral Intentions?

by Nora Anicker, Sebastian Bamberg, Peter Pütz and Gerd Bohner

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072915 - 31 Mar 2024

Viewed by 519

Abstract

Information-based interventions are still the most commonly used intervention approach to motivate people to engage in pro-environmental behaviors. However, recently, researchers assume that the effectiveness of such information depends on the extent to which recipients endorse biospheric values (the so-called ‘values-as-moderator’ hypothesis). If this hypothesis is correct, it would have important implications for the use of information appeals: they could not motivate the entire population, but only those population groups with high biospheric values. Two experimental studies using case vignettes were conducted to investigate the effects of biospheric values prioritization, an informational and a socio-normative appeal, as well as the interaction between biospheric values and those two interventions on two different pro-environmental behavioral intentions: everyday ‘low-cost’ behavior of purchasing (organic) coffee (Study 1) and the more difficult ‘high-cost’ behavior of adopting a heating style that prevents rebound effects (Study 2). In Study 1 we additionally examined the influence of the degree of privacy in which a behavior takes place on the purchase intention. Both studies were conducted as online survey studies in Germany. A total of 800 participants took part in each study. We used moderated logistic regression models to examine the main and interaction effects of biospheric values and the two different appeals on participants’ pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Both studies showed a significant main effect of the informational appeal on pro-environmental behavioral intentions. In Study 1, but not in Study 2, the main effect of the socio-normative appeal was also significant, especially if the purchase decision took place in a public space. However, no consistent evidence of a meaningful effect of biospheric values was found: the main effect of biospheric values was statistically significant only in Study 1, and the postulated interactions between biospheric values and interventions were not statistically significant in either study. Further theoretical and practical implications of the reported results are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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34 pages, 1376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Flexible Inventory of Survey Items for Environmental Concepts Generated via Special Attention to Content Validity and Item Response Theory

by John A. Vucetich, Jeremy T. Bruskotter, Benjamin Ghasemi, Claire E. Rapp, Michael Paul Nelson and Kristina M. Slagle

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051916 - 26 Feb 2024

Viewed by 619

Abstract

We demonstrate how many important measures of belief about the environmental suffer from poor content validity and inadequate conceptual breadth (dimensionality). We used scholarship in environmental science and philosophy to propose a list of 13 environmental concepts that can be held as beliefs. After precisely articulating the concepts, we developed 85 trial survey items that emphasized content validity for each concept. The concepts’ breadth and the items’ content validity were aided by scrutiny from 17 knowledgeable critics. We administered the trial items to 449 residents of the United States and used item response theory to reduce the 85 trial items to smaller sets of items for use when survey brevity is required. The reduced sets offered good predictive ability for two environmental attitudes (R² = 0.42 and 0.46) and indices of pro-environmental behavior (PEB, R² = 0.23) and behavioral intention (R² = 0.25). The predictive results were highly interpretable, owing to their robust content validity. For example, PEB was predicted by the degree to which one believes nature to be sacred, but not by the degree of one’s non-anthropocentrism. Concepts with the greatest overall predictive ability were Sacredness and Hope. Belief in non-anthropocentrism had little predictive ability for all four response variables—a claim that previously could not have been made given the widespread poverty of content validity for items representing non-anthropocentrism in existing instruments. The approach described here is especially amenable to incremental improvement, as other researchers propose more informative survey items and potentially important concepts of environmental beliefs we overlooked. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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26 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Act like There Is a Tomorrow—Contact and Affinity with Younger People and Legacy Motivation as Predictors of Climate Protection among Older People

by Theresa de Paula Sieverding, Vanessa Kulcar and Karolin Schmidt

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041477 - 9 Feb 2024

Viewed by 624

Abstract

The climate crisis poses a major threat for sustainability, with the young and future generations likely to be among the most affected groups in the climate crisis. Older generations will be less affected but have a greater impact both in terms of contribution and mitigation. We investigated potential intergenerational drivers of older Germans’ climate protection intentions and behavior in two pre-registered studies (N₁ = 411, 55- to 75-year olds; N₂ = 309, 55- to 86-year olds). On a correlational level, both studies revealed that contact between generations (particularly high-quality contact) indirectly explained the participants’ climate protection intentions/behavior. This effect was mediated by affinity with younger people (Study 1) and its subfacets of perspective taking and empathic concern (but not the subfacet of perceived oneness; Study 2). Study 1 further provided evidence that legacy motivation, i.e., the desire to leave behind a positive legacy, was positively related to participants’ climate protection intentions and behavior. Study 2’s attempt at testing the causal role of the subfacets of affinity was not successful, as the experimental manipulation of perspective taking toward younger people failed. However, the two studies provide correlational evidence that the closer older people feel to younger people and the future consequences of their behaviors, the more willing they are to protect the climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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16 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

National Differences in Age and Future-Oriented Indicators Relate to Environmental Performance

by Stylianos Syropoulos, Kyle Fiore Law and Liane Young

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010276 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 970

Abstract

Environmental concerns inherently involve an intergenerational aspect, where today’s decisions can have far-reaching effects on future generations. Numerous national characteristics can forecast a nation’s commitment to investing in environmental sustainability. This study expands on previous research and offers evidence in support of Gott’s principle, which states that citizens may use their country’s age to forecast its remaining lifespan. Specifically, we show that a nation’s age positively relates to intergenerational solidarity—a country’s willingness to sacrifice for future generations. Furthermore, country age and other future-oriented variables, such as a country’s Long-Term Orientation and ability to overcome temporal discounting, are linked to sustainability-related indicators, indicating that countries concerned about the future also exhibit greater concern for the environment. These findings reinforce the value of framing a country as a long-standing entity and implementing intergenerational framing interventions to motivate pro-environmental engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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16 pages, 1553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Do Longtermists Care about Protecting the Environment? An Investigation on the Underlying Mechanisms of Pro-Climate Policy Support

by Kyle Fiore Law, Stylianos Syropoulos and Liane Young

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16732; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416732 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 962

Abstract

Amid the pressing threat of climate collapse, longtermists emerge as a critical group poised to undertake collective action for the planet’s future. This pre-registered, highly powered study (N = 784 U.S. subjects recruited through Prolific) reinforces the association between longtermism and pro-climate attitudes, revealing that longtermists markedly support diverse pro-environmental policies, including those focusing on climate justice for minoritized groups in present-day and future generations. Notably, these associations are consistent after controlling for various demographic indicators, emphasizing their widespread relevance in the US context. Going beyond existing literature, this research delves into the underpinnings of longtermists’ pro-environmental proclivities. Critically, while longtermists exhibit heightened future-oriented concern for themselves and others, it is their capacity to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future and their broadened prosocial reach that elevates their environmental concern above and beyond the influence of demographic differences or other mediating factors. These insights present a promising foundation for cultivating broader pro-environmental engagement, highlighting the role of imagination and prosociality in shaping sustainable action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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15 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics That Influence Individuals’ Intentions to Use and Bequeath Common Assets: Time-Perspective Scales and Demographic Attributes

by Tomohiro Tasaki, Hide-Fumi Yokoo, Ryo Tajima and Rintaro Yamaguchi

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14832; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014832 - 13 Oct 2023

Viewed by 901

Abstract

As global environmental problems worsen, there is a concern for future generations who may face an unfairly degraded environment. In this study, we asked individuals from the current generation questions about using and bequeathing a common local asset to future generations in order to identify individual characteristics that influence their intentions to benefit future generations. A total of 960 Japanese individuals ranging from 20 to over 70 years old participated in an online survey. Explanatories include five time-perspective scales based on the psychology literature and demographic attributes such as age, sex, household income, marital status, final education level, and population size. Using logistic regression, we found that altruism was the most significant and positive factor influencing their intentions to benefit future generations. Three other time-perspective scales, namely future neglect, creativity, and generativity, also influenced the intentions, albeit negatively and to a lesser extent. Demographic attributes were generally not found to significantly influence intentions. Finally, we argue that three psychological conditions—time horizon, negative aspects of creativity, and sufficient altruism—could potentially lead people to choose decisions that are more beneficial to future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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19 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Generation Z’s Pro-Environmental Behavior towards Indonesia’s Energy Transition

by Divine Ifransca Wijaya and Phimsupha Kokchang

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13485; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813485 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

The energy transition is essential for combating climate change and achieving sustainability. Generation Z plays a vital role in taking responsibility for environmental concerns, and without rigorous action and support measures, they will be the group most affected by climate change. Their perceptions, attitudes, and actions are crucial to the success of the energy transition. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factors influencing Generation Z’s pro-environmental behavior in order to support the energy transition in Indonesia. The combination of the extended theory of planned behavior and the pro-environmental behavior concept was used as the main framework of this study. Statistical analysis was conducted using partial least square structural equation modeling with SmartlPLS 3.0 software. Quantitative data were collected using a snowball method online questionnaire that was distributed to 400 Generation Z individuals born between 1997 and 2012, who reside in Jakarta, Indonesia. The results indicate that environmental awareness and environmental concern have a positive influence on Generation Z’s attitude towards the energy transition in Indonesia. Attitude and perceived behavioral control positively influence the intention to support the energy transition, whereas perceived behavioral control and intention contribute positively to Generation Z’s pro-environmental behavior. Conversely, the subjective norm exerts no influence on intention. Interventions aimed at enhancing Generation Z’s support for the energy transition should address factors that positively influence pro-environmental behavior. These insights can aid governments, institutions, and stakeholders in devising interventions to increase Generation Z’s engagement in the energy transition and foster the adoption of pro-environmental behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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14 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Long-Term Transitional Impact and Mental Health Consequences of the Southern Alberta Flood of 2013

by Eamin Z. Heanoy, Connie Svob and Norman R. Brown

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12849; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712849 - 25 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1056

Abstract

Natural disasters pose an increasing threat to individuals and their well-being. Although much is known about the short-term effects of a disaster, there has been much less work on how disasters affect individuals over long periods. Additionally, disaster research has traditionally focused either on the mental outcome or economic impacts, limiting the understanding of the link between disaster-induced changes (i.e., transition) and mental health. Thus, this exploratory study aimed to measure the long-term transitional impacts of the Southern Alberta flood of 2013 and the relationship between this disaster-specific transition and well-being. In this follow-up, conducted six years after the flood, 65 participants were re-assessed on the 12-item Transitional Impact Scale (TIS-12) and their ratings were compared across two-time points (2013 vs. 2019). Additionally, the 21-item DASS and the 8-item PCL-5 were introduced in the follow-up to assess these participants’ mental health states. Paired T-tests of the material and psychological subscale of the TIS demonstrated significantly lower ratings in 2019 than in 2013. After six years, PTSD had a high correlation with the material and psychological subscale of the TIS and DASS. However, depression and anxiety were reliably related to psychological TIS only. Overall, the findings suggest that individuals’ well-being is largely determined by the level of disaster-related material and psychological life changes experienced over time. These findings might be useful to take note of the short-term and long-term impact of disaster-specific transitions while assisting professionals and policymakers in formulating interventions to preserve people’s well-being during the disaster and promote resilience following it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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19 pages, 1528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Green Attitude of Four European Capitals of Culture’s Youth

by Edit Kővári, Katalin Formádi and Zsuzsanna Banász

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7866; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107866 - 11 May 2023

Viewed by 1571

Abstract

This study investigated the attitude of young people (individuals aged 14–25 years old) towards environmental protection using the NEP scale. The research aims to understand how demographic characteristics may influence young people’s attitudes toward green issues. The study focuses on answering the following two research questions: Q1. How can the environmental attitudes of young individuals be systematically characterized and summarized? Q2. To what extent do demographic factors influence the environmental attitudes of young individuals? A computer-assisted data collection (CAPI) method was carried out in four European Capital of Culture cities from different countries (Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania) from April to June 2022. On the basis of this primary questionnaire survey, descriptive statistics and relationship analyses (Cramer’s V and Kendall’s tau) were used to analyze the collected data (n = 712). The results revealed that in most cases, demographic characteristics had little or no impact at all on green attitudes. Thus, most youth attitudes showed the concept that humanity must adapt to the limits of nature. Furthermore, there were three green attitude statements where moderate differences could be detected by the countries. The findings can provide guidance for decision-makers in the field of environmental education and marketing, and they can also serve as a benchmark for other countries. Additionally, it opens up new opportunities for further research on the role of formal and informal education, as well as to measure the impact of social media on youth environmental behavior and their proactivity towards green issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Behavior, and Sustainable Development in Social and Cultural Psychology)

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