Van Kessel, KirstenAshwell, Dana YFeather, Jacqueline S2026-01-302026-01-302024-12-31New Zealand Journal of Psychology, ISSN: 0112-109X (Online), New Zealand Psychological Society Inc., 54(4). doi: 10.63146/001c.1387510112-109Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/10292/20561<jats:p>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.</jats:p>Open Access. CC-BY 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/1701 Psychology1702 Cognitive SciencesSocial Psychology5203 Clinical and health psychology5205 Social and personality psychologyAnthropogenic Environmental DegradationPsychological EffectsAdaptive Behavioural ResponsePro-environmental BehaviourBiospheric ValuesJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.63146/001c.138751