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Approaching Environmental Sustainability: Perceptions of Self-Efficacy and Changeability
Nicola S Schutte1, Navjot Bhullar1
1a University of New England.
The Journal of Psychology
|March 25, 2017
Summary
Boosting self-efficacy and belief in behavioral change can increase motivation and action for sustainable behaviors. Interventions enhancing these beliefs show promise for promoting eco-friendly choices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Environmentally sustainable behaviors are crucial for ecological balance.
- Understanding psychological drivers of sustainable behavior is essential for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and test a model linking self-efficacy and belief in behavioral changeability to sustainable behavior.
- To investigate the impact of interventions on self-efficacy and behavioral changeability for sustainability-related purchasing.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted to test the proposed model.
- Study 1 assessed correlations between self-efficacy, changeability beliefs, motivation, and reported sustainable behavior.
- Study 2 experimentally evaluated interventions aimed at increasing self-efficacy and changeability for sustainable purchasing.
Main Results:
- Higher self-efficacy and belief in changeability were associated with greater approach motivation and actual sustainable behavior.
- An intervention focused on enhancing self-efficacy for sustainable purchasing significantly increased purchase intention.
Conclusions:
- Self-efficacy and belief in the changeability of behavior are key psychological factors motivating sustainable actions.
- Targeted interventions can effectively enhance these factors, leading to increased pro-environmental intentions and behaviors.
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