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Individual differences in environmental wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviors explained by self-control
Camilla Strömbäck1, Emma Lindkvist2, Daniel Västfjäll3,4
1JEDI Lab, Division of Economics, Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Frontiers in Psychology
|May 8, 2023
Summary
High self-control correlates with greater environmental well-being and some pro-environmental actions. However, political orientation emerged as a stronger predictor of sustainable behaviors than self-control itself.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Sociology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Climate change necessitates significant lifestyle shifts for sustainability.
- Self-control is linked to visualizing future events, suggesting a role in pro-environmental behavior.
- Understanding factors influencing sustainable choices is crucial for policy and societal change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between self-control and environmental well-being.
- To examine the relationship between self-control and pro-environmental behaviors.
- To identify predictors of environmental well-being and behavior in a Swedish sample.
Main Methods:
- An internet-based survey was administered to a representative Swedish sample (n=602).
- Respondents completed a new scale for environmental well-being and reported engagement in pro-environmental behaviors.
- Data on self-control, demographics, and political orientation were collected.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between self-control and environmental well-being.
- Self-control showed a weaker positive correlation with some pro-environmental behaviors.
- Political orientation (left-leaning) predicted lower environmental well-being; men reported higher well-being but less eco-friendly behavior.
Conclusions:
- Self-control is associated with environmental well-being and some sustainable actions.
- Political orientation appears to be a more significant predictor of environmental behavior than self-control.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay of psychological traits and socio-political factors in environmental engagement.
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