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The effects of mindful learning on pro-environmental behavior: A self-expansion perspective
Yanmei Tang1, Liuna Geng1, P Wesley Schultz2
1Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
Consciousness and Cognition
|March 26, 2017
Summary
Mindful learning can impact pro-environmental behavior, sometimes increasing it and sometimes decreasing it, depending on the focus of the learning. This self-expansion perspective reveals nuanced effects on environmental intentions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pro-environmental behavior is crucial for sustainability.
- Self-expansion theory suggests individuals seek to incorporate new aspects into their self-concept.
- Mindful learning involves focused attention and awareness, potentially influencing self-perception and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of mindful learning on pro-environmental behavioral intentions.
- To examine the role of self-expansion in mediating the relationship between mindful learning and environmental behavior.
- To explore how different learning focuses (self, humans, biosphere) interact with mindful learning to shape environmental intentions.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments with 253 participants.
- Manipulation of mindful learning versus control conditions.
- Varying learning material focus: self, humans, and biosphere.
Main Results:
- Mindful learning positively influenced pro-environmental intentions when focused on humans or the biosphere.
- Mindful learning negatively influenced pro-environmental intentions when focused on the self.
- Results indicate a complex, context-dependent relationship between mindful learning and environmental behavior.
Conclusions:
- Mindful learning's impact on pro-environmental intentions is not uniform; it depends on the cognitive focus.
- Self-expansion plays a role, with self-focused mindfulness potentially hindering pro-environmental behavior.
- These findings highlight the importance of tailoring mindful learning strategies to promote environmental action.
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