Conceptualising Pro-Environmental Behaviour and the Experiences of Anthropogenic Environmental Degradation
Date
Authors
Van Kessel, Kirsten
Ashwell, Dana Y
Feather, Jacqueline S
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New Zealand Psychological Society Inc.
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the psychological effects of the experience of anthropogenic environmental degradation. Pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) can be an adaptive response and may be influenced by value orientations and psychological processes. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data from 205 New Zealand adults was collected to determine how well value orientations and stress appraisals of anthropogenic environmental degradation predict PEB. Results showed biospheric values and primary appraisals predicted greater engagement in PEB. Qualitative data from 269 New Zealand adults showed that experiences of anthropogenic environmental degradation are multi-dimensional and reflected five themes: depressive emotions; anxious emotions; dissatisfaction and outrage; impact on behaviour and functioning; and hope. The generalisability of the findings is limited given our samples (predominantly female, Pākeha and young) do not reflect the diversity of the wider New Zealand population. Relevance of findings are discussed in promoting wellbeing of individuals and communities whilst maximising mitigation strategies.Description
Keywords
1701 Psychology, 1702 Cognitive Sciences, Social Psychology, 5203 Clinical and health psychology, 5205 Social and personality psychology, Anthropogenic Environmental Degradation, Psychological Effects, Adaptive Behavioural Response, Pro-environmental Behaviour, Biospheric Values
Source
New Zealand Journal of Psychology, ISSN: 0112-109X (Online), New Zealand Psychological Society Inc., 54(4). doi: 10.63146/001c.138751
Rights statement
Open Access. CC-BY 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/