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Climate change perspectives in Lithuania: exploring science attitudes and personality correlations
Aelita Skarzauskiene1,2, Monika Mačiulienė1,2, Aistė Diržytė1,2
1Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Public beliefs about climate change vary significantly. Science attitudes and personality traits influence these beliefs, suggesting tailored communication strategies are needed for effective climate change engagement.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Science Communication
- Sociology of Science
Background:
- Public perception of climate change is shaped by how scientific information is interpreted and by individual differences.
- Effective climate communication requires understanding these influencing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct profiles of climate-change beliefs among Lithuanian adults.
- To examine how attitudes toward science differentiate these belief profiles.
- To investigate the direct and indirect relationships between personality traits, science attitudes, and climate-change beliefs.
Main Methods:
- A nationally representative survey of 1,005 Lithuanian adults was conducted.
- Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified belief profiles.
- Logistic regression and mediation analyses assessed predictors and indirect effects via science attitudes.
Main Results:
- Two distinct climate-belief profiles were identified: Lower Endorsement (29.2%) and Higher Endorsement (70.8%).
- Support for science's problem-solving capacity, unrestricted inquiry, and research funding predicted higher endorsement.
- Science attitudes partially mediated the effects of conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism on climate-change beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in climate-change beliefs within the Lithuanian population.
- Audience segmentation based on beliefs and psychological characteristics is recommended.
- Psychologically informed communication strategies can improve climate science outreach.
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