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Schorn A, Wirth W. They approve but they don't act: promoting sustainable minority behavior with (conflicting) social norm appeals. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1337585. [PMID: 38988390 PMCID: PMC11233761 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1337585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Social norm appeals are effective in promoting sustainable majority behavior but could backfire when the target behavior is only performed by a minority of people. However, emphasizing that an increasing number of people have started engaging in the behavior or that the majority approve the behavior might prevent such negative effects. However, only a few studies have investigated the combination of descriptive minority and injunctive majority social norm appeals, with inconsistent results. Some studies of minority behavior suggest that the characteristics of recipients might determine the inconsistent results regarding the impact of minority social norm appeals and that social norm appeals could have a greater impact on individuals with weaker environment related dispositions. Method Two two-wave studies investigated how descriptive minority appeals, injunctive majority appeals, and their combination can be used to motivate sustainable minority behavior and what role environment related dispositions play in this context. In the first part, perceived social norms, environment related dispositions, behavioral intentions, and pre-attitudes were measured. Two weeks later, respondents participated in a 3 (descriptive social norm appeal: static vs. dynamic vs. absent) × 2 (injunctive majority social norm appeal: present vs. absent) between-subjects experiment and watched an explainer video on voluntary carbon offsets that included various social norm appeals. Results In both studies, we found that social norm appeals influenced perceived social norms. However, persuasive effects were only observed in the first study, and an injunctive majority appeal increased persuasive outcomes, but there were no differences between the descriptive conditions and no differences in their impact depending on individuals' environment related dispositions in either study. Discussion A single exposure may be insufficient to exert persuasive effects and the change in perceived social norms may first need to be internalized. In online explainer videos, the effects of social norm appeals could be amplified by algorithm-based suggestions and when social norm appeals draw attention to norm-conforming content. However, further research is required on the long-term effects and their possible amplification via social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schorn
- Department of Communication and Media Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Wang B, Tang T, Kaspar E, Li Y. Explaining citizens' plastic reduction behavior with an extended theory of planned behavior model: An empirical study in Switzerland. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120869. [PMID: 38657409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The growing volume of plastic waste resulting from human activities is suffocating our planet. To combat this escalating issue, this study delves into the formation of plastic reduction behavior among Swiss citizens using an extended theory of planned behavior model. Through an online survey, the study obtained 149 valid responses, which were analyzed using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling. The results indicate a significant and strong relationship between plastic risk perception and attitudes towards plastic reduction and environmental protection. Notably, the cognitive dimension (β = 0.802, p = 0.000) of plastic risk perception exhibits a tighter and stronger association with attitude compared to the emotional dimension (β = 0.406, p = 0.000). Among the three variables in the theory of planned behavior model, perceived behavioral control (β = 0.384, p = 0.000) emerges as the strongest determinant of behavioral willingness for plastic reduction. It is followed by attitude (β = 0.214, p = 0.030). However, no significant relationship is observed between subjective norm and behavioral willingness for plastic reduction (β = 0.07, p = 0.292). Finally, attitude fully mediates the relationship between plastic risk perception and behavioral willingness for plastic reduction. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bairong Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China
| | - Ting Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, PR China
| | | | - Yong Li
- School of Marxism, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.
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Oludoye OO, Supakata N, Srithongouthai S, Kanokkantapong V, Van den Broucke S, Ogunyebi L, Lubell M. Pro-environmental behavior regarding single-use plastics reduction in urban-rural communities of Thailand: Implication for public policy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4713. [PMID: 38413669 PMCID: PMC10899209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The study investigates residents' behavior towards reducing the use of single-use plastic (SUP), specifically in the context of food packaging. The widespread view holds that pro-environmental behavior (PB) results from a person's moral and rational deliberations. In reducing single-use plastic (SUP) consumption and waste, the relative roles of rationality and morality models in validating PB among rural and urban residents are not yet clear. In this empirical study, we compared the relative efficacy of two models for explaining people's SUP reduction behavior: the theory of planned behavior (TPB; rationality) and the value belief norm (VBN; morality). We investigated Thailand's rural (Sichang Island) and metropolitan (Nonthaburi city) areas. As a result, we surveyed people living on Sichang Island (n = 255) and in Nonthaburi city (n = 310). We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) for data analysis in this study. Findings showed that while morality better justified all the study participants' SUP reduction behavior, rationality underpinned behaviors of rural residents, while morality better explained the actions of city residents. We discussed future theoretical development and a policy roadmap based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseye O Oludoye
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nuta Supakata
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Research Unit (RU) of Waste Utilization and Ecological Risk Assessment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Sarawut Srithongouthai
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Research Unit (RU) of Waste Utilization and Ecological Risk Assessment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Vorapot Kanokkantapong
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Research Unit (RU) of Waste Utilization and Ecological Risk Assessment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Stephan Van den Broucke
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Lanrewaju Ogunyebi
- Environmental Biology Unit, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Mark Lubell
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California Davis, One Shields Drive, Davis, CA, 995616, USA
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Duraisamy K, Muniyapillai T, Kulothungan K, Mahendran P, Ayyappan R, Rengaraj R, Senthil Velan R, Muralitharan R, Nagarajan R, Manohar R. Prevalence of Plastic Usage and the Factors Associated With It Among Adults in Perambalur District of South India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e46294. [PMID: 37915865 PMCID: PMC10616534 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People extensively use and dispose of plastic products because of their durability, affordability, and lightweight. The excessive production and consumption of plastics has led to pollution that has negative effects on both society and the environment. Nearly all Indian states and union territories have prohibited the usage of plastic bags, with Tamil Nadu being the fourth state in the country to implement such a prohibition. The study aims to determine the prevalence of plastic usage, its associated factors, and awareness regarding the laws related to the plastic ban. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1200 adults above 18 years of age using multistage sampling. We undertook the study for three months in the district of Perambalur, in South India. The semi-structured questionnaire was used as a research tool, which contained information on socio-demographics, plastic utilization, understanding of plastic prohibition, its need, and views on bisphenol A (BPA). We entered the gathered data in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) and analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). If the P-value was less than 0.05, we deemed it statistically significant. Results The mean age of the study participants was 44.47 ± 15.09 years. Plastic is being used by most of the study participants because of its wide availability and convenience of usage. Approximately 42.43% (n=471) of the participants adhere to non-segregation waste disposal practices in public bins. Approximately 1100 (92.5%) of the participants incorporate plastic into their daily routine. Among the participants, approximately 15.7% (188) were knowledgeable about bisphenol A (BPA), while about 92.6% (1111) of them were knowledgeable about plastic substitutes. Individuals belonging to the younger age group, male gender, higher education background, living in urban areas, living in joint families, and not engaged in agriculture were the primary users of plastic, and this trend was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion In the study, the prevalence of plastic usage was higher among the participants who followed unsanitary methods of disposal. Despite the awareness of the hazards of plastic and the regulations against its use, its consumption remains high. Plastic consumption is higher in the urbanized area across residential, educational, occupational, and young age demographics. The mere act of raising awareness is insufficient; it is necessary to convert awareness into action to protect both the environment and humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pavithra Mahendran
- Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, IND
| | - Ramakalam Ayyappan
- Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, IND
| | - Ramanan Rengaraj
- Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, IND
| | - Ramya Senthil Velan
- Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, IND
| | - Rasika Muralitharan
- Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, IND
| | | | - Reshika Manohar
- Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, IND
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Šálková D, Maierová O, Kvasničková Stanislavská L, Pilař L. The Relationship between "Zero Waste" and Food: Insights from Social Media Trends. Foods 2023; 12:3280. [PMID: 37685212 PMCID: PMC10486687 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zero waste (ZW), the concept of reducing waste production, is now becoming a lifestyle trend. Social media is strengthening this by popularizing the movement and connecting related communities. ZW and food are closely related, since food waste is a significant sustainability issue; however, the exact relationship between ZW and food communication on social networks is not clear. This study analyzed user communication on the social networking site Twitter between July 2008 and April 2023 to determine how members communicated and shared topics related to ZW and food; an analysis of hashtag frequency was also conducted. During the study period, a total of 50,650 tweets with both #zerowaste and #food hashtags were recorded, written by 21,271 unique users from all over the world. Topic analysis identified the nine related topics: ZW lifestyle, leftover recipes, ZW events, food rescue, climate change, packaging, ZW stores, composting, and ZW restaurants; visual analysis indicated that these topics were closely connected, suggesting common membership of these communities. Overall, our results provide insight into the ZW and food communities on Twitter, which may be useful for marketers, influencers, and government agencies to create targeted content and facilitate wider adoption of a ZW lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Šálková
- Department of Trade and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (D.Š.); (O.M.)
| | - Olesya Maierová
- Department of Trade and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (D.Š.); (O.M.)
| | - Lucie Kvasničková Stanislavská
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Ladislav Pilař
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic;
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Mouloudj K, Njoku A, Asanza DM, Bouarar AC, Evans MA, Mouloudj S, Bouarar A. Modeling Predictors of Medication Waste Reduction Intention in Algeria: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6584. [PMID: 37623170 PMCID: PMC10454758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 caused an increase in the demand for medications, which led to an increase in pharmaceutical waste and there is no doubt that this contributes to environmental pollution. Hence, it became necessary to search for how to protect and improve the environment by encouraging the behavior of medication waste reduction. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting intentions to reduce medication waste. Considering this, we develop an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework by incorporating the constructs of moral obligation, environmental awareness, and medication waste risk perception. Using the convenience sampling method and based on a self-administered questionnaire, a total of 225 usable responses were collected in five Algerian cities. The results showed that positive attitudes (β = 0.316, p < 0.001), moral obligation (β = 0.291, p < 0.001), environmental awareness (β = 0.227, p < 0.001), perceived behavior control (PBC) (β = 0.151, p = 0.001), greater perceived risks (β = 0.127, p < 0.001), and subjective norm (β = 0.096, p < 0.05) significantly and positively influence the medication waste minimization intention. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that the extended TPB model explained 73.40% of the intention variance. In conclusion, we have explored the intentions, and there may be a gap between intent and actual behavior. Therefore, we recommend future studies to examine the factors affecting the actual behavior of medication waste reduction and to investigate environmental ethics and religious commitment as predictors of waste reduction intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mouloudj
- Department of Commercial Sciences, College of Economic, University Yahia Fares of Medea, Medea 26000, Algeria; (K.M.); (A.C.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Anuli Njoku
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA;
| | - Dachel Martínez Asanza
- Department of Scientific-Technical Results Management, National School of Public Health (ENSAP), Havana Medical Sciences University, Havana 10800, Cuba;
| | - Ahmed Chemseddine Bouarar
- Department of Commercial Sciences, College of Economic, University Yahia Fares of Medea, Medea 26000, Algeria; (K.M.); (A.C.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Marian A. Evans
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA;
| | - Smail Mouloudj
- Department of Commercial Sciences, College of Economic, University Yahia Fares of Medea, Medea 26000, Algeria; (K.M.); (A.C.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Achouak Bouarar
- Department of Medicine, College of Medical, University Saad Dahleb Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria;
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Aruta JJBR. Environmental psychology in the Philippines: Growth, challenges and prospects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 58:217-226. [PMID: 36693676 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Sun Y, He H. Understanding consumers' purchase intentions of single-use plastic products. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1105959. [PMID: 36895736 PMCID: PMC9988906 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1105959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human health and marine life are facing the hazards and threats of plastic waste. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of disposable plastic products, thus paying more attention to the threats and challenges of single-use plastics products in China is urgent. This study aims to explore the intention to purchase single-use plastic products based on the theory of planned behavior. Data collection using self-reported questionnaires, and 402 valid questionnaires were obtained, thus analyzed using Amos 22.0 and SPSS 18.0 software. Results indicate that attitude, perceived behavioral control, normative social influence, informational social influence, and positive anticipated emotion positively affect intention to purchase single-use plastic products. Meanwhile, positive anticipated emotion positively moderates the relationship between normative social influence and intention to purchase single-use plastic products, but negatively moderates the relationship between informational social influence and intention to purchase single-use plastic products. This research provides some theoretical and policy implications to help relevant agencies design targeted interventions to address environmental issues related to single-use plastic consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- School of International Economics and Management, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Haonan He
- School of Economics and Management, Chang'An University, Xi'an, China
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Aruta JJBR. Psychometric Validation and Environmental Psychological Correlates of the Light Triad Traits. JOURNAL OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-0001/a000389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The Light Triad Scale (LTS) measures the concept of the Light Triad, which was conceptualized as personality traits that reflect a person’s loving and beneficent orientation toward others, consisting of Faith in Humanity, Humanism, and Kantianism. As a novel construct, the Light Triad has yet to establish its structural validity in non-Western countries and needs to demonstrate its association with environmental psychology constructs. This study aims to: (1) examine the structural and criterion validity of the LTS in the Philippines and (2) determine the influence of the Light Triad on environmental concerns and green purchase intentions. Data were collected through an online survey completed by 447 Filipino adolescents. Comparing three models (i.e., one-factor, two-factor, and intercorrelated three-factor models), the present findings corroborated the original model which proposed an intercorrelated three-factor model of the LTS. The LTS demonstrated criterion validity by establishing correlations with relevant measures of environmental psychological constructs. Additionally, path analysis showed that Humanism and Kantianism predicted green purchase intentions via an increase in environmental concern. Measurement and conceptual strengths, future directions, and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta
- Counseling and Educational Psychology Department, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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Aruta JJBR, Maria A, Mascarenhas J. Self-compassion promotes mental help-seeking in older, not in younger, counselors. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 35400980 PMCID: PMC8976458 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While self-compassion and mental help-seeking are two important aspects emphasized in mental health literature and counseling practice, very little research has focused on how these two are associated particularly among counseling professionals-individuals providing mental health support to others but whose mental health are often overlooked. This cross-sectional study investigated a moderated mediation model examining the role of age and attitudes in the positive influence of self-compassion on mental help-seeking intention. Using a paper-and-pencil survey, data were collected from a total of 158 Filipino counseling professionals. Results revealed that mental help-seeking attitudes significantly and partially mediated the positive association between self-compassion and mental help-seeking intention. Additionally, age significantly moderated the positive relationship between self-compassion and mental help-seeking attitudes. The significant positive influence of self-compassion on mental help-seeking attitudes was strong among older participants, weak among middle-age, and diminished among younger participants. The findings provided insights on the importance of a self-compassion-based approach to counselor training. The implications of preserving counselors' mental health in counseling practice were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Alphonse Maria
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines
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Simon PD, Pakingan KA, Aruta JJBR. Measurement of climate change anxiety and its mediating effect between experience of climate change and mitigation actions of Filipino youth. EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/20590776.2022.2037390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia D. Simon
- Department of Psychology, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
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