Human values and beliefs and concern about climate change: a Bayesian longitudinal analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Environmental Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Understanding the psychological drivers of climate change beliefs is crucial for effective environmental communication.
• Human values, as core principles guiding behavior and attitudes, may play a significant role in shaping climate change perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal influence of distinct human values on individuals' beliefs and concern regarding climate change.
• To determine which specific human values predict changes in climate change perception and skepticism over time.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study design with 298 undergraduate/master students surveyed over a 2-month interval.
• Utilized the Portrait Values Questionnaire to measure human values and specific scales for beliefs and concern about climate change (perceived consequences, risk perception, skepticism).
• Employed Bayesian analysis to examine the associations between human values and climate change beliefs, controlling for gender and baseline scores.

Main Results:

• Universalism values at Time 1 were linked to higher perceived consequences and lower skepticism about climate change at Time 2.
• Self-direction values predicted increased risk perception and perceived consequences of climate change over the 2-month period.
• Hedonism values showed an association with climate change risk perception, while other values did not demonstrate significant links.

Conclusions:

• Universalism and self-direction values appear to be key psychological factors influencing climate change beliefs and concern.
• Targeting universalism and self-direction values may offer a more effective strategy for increasing public engagement with climate change compared to focusing on other values.