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Costa S, Carrus G. Cultural dynamics influencing decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Italian case. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1294190. [PMID: 38725956 PMCID: PMC11081066 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1294190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes to the life of most individuals, worldwide. This study explores the cultural factors influencing decision-making during the pandemic, and is part of the CORNER Project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, aimed at understanding institutional response in the early phases of the Covid-19 emergency in Norway, Sweden, and Italy. Semi-structured interviews with key political-administrative leaders in Italy (N = 35) were conducted and content-analyzed, allowing the identification of the underlying cultural dynamics that played a role in these decisions. Thematic analysis was used to assess the influence of cultural factors on the crisis management and early reaction of institutions and citizens to the spread of Covid. In line with previous studies, and as expected, the individualism vs. collectivism dimension can explain differential health outcomes during the outbreak. In this paper we argue that individualism-collectivism cultural values can also play a pivotal role in public compliance with Covid-19 restrictions, and psychological responses during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Costa
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Habibi Asgarabad M, Vesely S, Efe Biresselioglu M, Caffaro F, Carrus G, Hakan Demir M, Kirchler B, Kollmann A, Massullo C, Tiberio L, Klöckner CA. Promoting electricity conservation through behavior change: A study protocol for a web-based multiple-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293683. [PMID: 38483850 PMCID: PMC10939288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS As a part of the framework of the EU-funded Energy efficiency through Behavior CHANge Transition (ENCHANT) project, the present paper intends to provide a "Research Protocol" of a web-based trial to: (i) assess the effectiveness of behavioral intervention strategies--either single or in combination--on electricity saving, and (ii) unravel the psychological factors contributing to intervention effectiveness in households across Europe. METHODS AND MATERIALS Six distinct interventions (i.e., information provision, collective vs. individual message framing, social norms, consumption feedback, competitive elements, and commitment strategies) targeting electricity saving in households from six European countries (i.e., Austria, Germany, Italy, Norway, Romania, and Türkiye) are evaluated, with an initial expected samples of about 1500 households per country randomly assigned to 12 intervention groups and two control groups, and data is collected through an ad-hoc online platform. The primary outcome is the weekly electricity consumption normalized to the last seven days before measurement per person per household. Secondary outcomes are the peak consumption during the last day before measurement and the self-reported implementation of electricity saving behaviors (e.g., deicing the refrigerator). The underlying psychological factors expected to mediate and/or moderate the intervention effects on these outcomes are intentions to save electricity, perceived difficulty of saving energy, attitudes to electricity saving, electricity saving habit strength, social norms to save electricity, personal norms, collective efficacy, emotional reaction to electricity consumption, and national identity. The intervention effectiveness will be evaluated by comparing psychological factors and consumption variables before and after the intervention, leading to a 14 (groups including 2 control groups) × 6 (time) mixed factorial design, with one factor between (group) and one factor within subjects (time)-6 measurements of the psychological factors and 6 readings of the electricity meters, which gives then 5 weeks of electricity consumption. RESULTS Data collection for the present RCT started in January 2023, and by October 2023 data collection will conclude. DISCUSSION Upon establishing feasibility and effectiveness, the outcomes of this study will assist policymakers, municipalities, NGOs, and other communal entities in identifying impactful interventions tailored to their unique circumstances and available resources. Researchers will benefit from a flexible, structured tool that allows the design, implementation and monitoring of complex interventions protocols. Crucially, the intervention participants will benefit from electricity saving strategies, fostering immediate effectiveness of the interventions in real-life contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was preregistered in the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/9vtn4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stepan Vesely
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Federica Caffaro
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Muhittin Hakan Demir
- Department of Logistics Management, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Türkiye
| | | | - Andrea Kollmann
- Energie Institut, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Tiberio
- Department of Education Science, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian A. Klöckner
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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3
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Russo C, Romano L, Spano G, Theodorou A, Carrus G, Mastandrea S, Angelini C, Sanesi G, Panno A. Personal dispositions explain differences in physical health benefits of nature exposure: the role of restorativeness and affect. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1365512. [PMID: 38529091 PMCID: PMC10962004 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1365512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Urbanization processes are constantly increasing, and most of the European population currently live in urban areas. Nevertheless, evidence is consistent in highlighting the positive association between nature exposure and human wellbeing, although individual differences might affect this association. Methods The present study aimed to investigate the association among nature connectedness, conceptualized as Love and Care for Nature, place identity, and physical wellbeing, via restorativeness and positive and negative affect. A total of 312 visitors of an urban green area (i.e., Milan's Parco Nord) participated in the study. They completed an anonymous questionnaire. Results Findings showed that nature connectedness and place identity positively affect physical wellbeing, via restorativeness and positive affect, but not through the negative ones. Discussion Results highlight the importance of the joint role of exposure to nature and individual differences in promoting wellbeing. This study offers implications for interventions aimed at enhancing individuals' health through exposure to nature. Limitations of the study and future research developments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Russo
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Romano
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Spano
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Clemente D, Romano L, Zamboni E, Carrus G, Panno A. Forest therapy using virtual reality in the older population: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1323758. [PMID: 38298360 PMCID: PMC10828037 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1323758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction As life expectancy increases, more attention needs to be paid to their mental and physical condition. Many older patients are also bedridden, which makes some treatments, like in vivo exposure to natural environments, more difficult to be applied. This study aimed to systematically review articles that include interventions combining virtual reality and forest environment, targeting a sample of older people. Methods Based on PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in three databases (EBSCO, PubMed, and Scopus), plus gray literature (OpenGrey). We considered only studies that used forest settings via virtual reality and included a sample with age ≥ 65. Results After the screening and eligibility stages, 7 articles have been included. Discussion The study underlines the need to implement research in this direction to standardize effective procedures that can be used to improve the mental and physical health of the older people and caregivers, while also reducing social costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Clemente
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Romano
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Zamboni
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Mosca O, Fornara F, Mastandrea S, Passiatore Y, Sarrica M, Scopelliti M, Carrus G. Editorial: Current trends in environmental psychology, volume II. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1265274. [PMID: 37674751 PMCID: PMC10478707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1265274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Mosca
- Department of Education, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fornara
- Department of Education, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastandrea
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Passiatore
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Sarrica
- Department of Communication and Social Research, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Tiberio L, Massullo C, Carrus G, Mastandrea S, Fagioli S. Impact of COVID-19 on Mothers Raising Children with Special Needs: Insights from a Survey Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5363. [PMID: 37629405 PMCID: PMC10455744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak had psychological effects that continue to be explored by researchers. This study investigated factors influencing the mental health of mothers caring for special needs children in Italy's first lockdown. Specifically, we investigated the relationships between emotional states of depression, anxiety, stress, perceived distress related to home confinement, coping strategies, and other contextual variables (such as opportunities for distance learning and remote working) in a group of 68 mothers of children with special needs and 68 matched mothers of typically developing children. Data from an online survey showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, the research revealed that being a remote worker was a significant predictor of reduced stress in mothers of children with special needs, while distance learning was a significant predictor of reduced stress in mothers of typically developing children. In addition, the study found that hyperarousal symptoms were predictive of stress in mothers of children with special needs, while intrusive thoughts and avoidance coping were predictive of stress in mothers of typically developing children. In conclusion, further research is needed to develop effective support and intervention strategies for families with children with special needs and to deeply investigate the impact of flexible work arrangements and social aid on the mental health of mothers in non-emergency settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sabrina Fagioli
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Education, “Roma Tre” University, via del Castro Pretorio 20, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.T.); (C.M.); (G.C.); (S.M.)
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De Gregorio E, Caffaro F, Pirchio S, Tiberio L, Carrus G. Editorial: Current trends in environmental psychology, volume I. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1228180. [PMID: 37465490 PMCID: PMC10351977 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1228180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio De Gregorio
- Department of Life and Health Science, Link Campus University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Federica Caffaro
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Sabine Pirchio
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Lorenza Tiberio
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
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Theodorou A, Spano G, Bratman GN, Monneron K, Sanesi G, Carrus G, Imperatori C, Panno A. Emotion regulation and virtual nature: cognitive reappraisal as an individual-level moderator for impacts on subjective vitality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5028. [PMID: 36977705 PMCID: PMC10043509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
People who make habitual use of an emotion regulation strategy such as cognitive reappraisal may be more sensitive to the emotion cues coming from a surrounding natural environment and, thus, get more benefits from virtual nature exposure such as enhanced subjective vitality. However, no previous study investigated the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal in the relationship between exposure to different types of natural environments (a national park, a lacustrine environment, and an arctic environment vs. an urban environment) and subjective vitality. We designed a between-subject design (four conditions, one per type of environment) with a sample of 187 university students (Mage = 21.17, SD = 2.55). Participants were exposed to four 360° panoramic photos of the environment for one minute each with a virtual reality head-mounted display. The results of a multicategorical moderation analysis attested that there were two significant interactions, respectively between lacustrine and arctic environments and cognitive reappraisal. More specifically, for participants with low levels of habitual use of cognitive reappraisal, the effects of virtual nature (vs. urban) exposure on subjective vitality were not significant, while for participants with high levels, the effects were significant and positive. Findings show how the potential of virtual nature may be boosted with training aimed at increasing the general use of cognitive reappraisal, supports enhancing the applications of virtual nature, and demonstrates the need to take individual differences into account when determining the benefits of these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Theodorou
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 20 Via del Castro Pretorio, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Spano
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kevin Monneron
- Geographic Research and Application Laboratory (GREAL), European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 20 Via del Castro Pretorio, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Imperatori C, Massullo C, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Theodorou A, Scopelliti M, Romano L, Del Gatto C, Allegrini G, Carrus G, Panno A. Exposure to nature is associated with decreased functional connectivity within the distress network: A resting state EEG study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1171215. [PMID: 37151328 PMCID: PMC10158085 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1171215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the well-established evidence supporting the restorative potential of nature exposure, the neurophysiological underpinnings of the restorative cognitive/emotional effect of nature are not yet fully understood. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between exposure to nature and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the distress network. Methods Fifty-three individuals (11 men and 42 women; mean age 21.38 ± 1.54 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: (i) a green group and (ii) a gray group. A slideshow consisting of images depicting natural and urban scenarios were, respectively, presented to the green and the gray group. Before and after the slideshow, 5 min resting state (RS) EEG recordings were performed. The exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software was used to execute all EEG analyses. Results Compared to the gray group, the green group showed a significant increase in positive emotions (F 1; 50 = 9.50 p = 0.003) and in the subjective experience of being full of energy and alive (F 1; 50 = 4.72 p = 0.035). Furthermore, as compared to urban pictures, the exposure to natural images was associated with a decrease of delta functional connectivity in the distress network, specifically between the left insula and left subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (T = -3.70, p = 0.023). Discussion Our results would seem to be in accordance with previous neurophysiological studies suggesting that experiencing natural environments is associated with brain functional dynamics linked to emotional restorative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Alessio Carbone,
| | - Annalisa Theodorou
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Romano
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Del Gatto
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Allegrini
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Angelo Panno,
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Vesely S, Klöckner CA, Carrus G, Tiberio L, Caffaro F, Biresselioglu ME, Kollmann AC, Sinea AC. Norms, prices, and commitment: A comprehensive overview of field experiments in the energy domain and treatment effect moderators. Front Psychol 2022; 13:967318. [PMID: 36425813 PMCID: PMC9680531 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.967318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of field experiments utilizing social norms, commitment and price-based interventions to promote energy conservation, load shifting, and energy efficiency behaviors. Treatment effects reported in the extant literature, as well as the factors that may strengthen or dampen these effects are reviewed. We find that social norm and incentive-based interventions mostly achieve small reductions in energy consumption, and that the effects of commitment-based interventions are essentially zero for the most part. Incentive effects on energy efficiency investments are mostly non-existent, safe for a few exceptions. One gap that we identify is the almost complete absence of field experiments leveraging social norms or commitment to promote energy efficiency investments. We discuss a broad range of (mostly under-researched) plausible moderators of the interventions' effects. Crucially, a more careful attention to moderators in future research can highlight instances in which interventions can be effective, notwithstanding their modest or non-existent average treatment effects. Our review offers a starting point in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepan Vesely
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science of Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- *Correspondence: Stepan Vesely
| | - Christian A. Klöckner
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science of Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anca C. Sinea
- Department of Political, Administrative and Communication Studies, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Marchi V, Speak A, Ugolini F, Sanesi G, Carrus G, Salbitano F. Attitudes towards urban green during the COVID-19 pandemic via Twitter. Cities 2022; 126:103707. [PMID: 35572914 PMCID: PMC9091318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had economic, social and environmental impacts worldwide. Governments have adopted containment measures to limit the spread of the virus. Urban green spaces (UGSs) were included among the non-essential activities and were consequently closed during the lockdown periods in some countries. This study analysed tweets posted by users to understand the citizens' perception and sentiment in relation to the closure of UGS in Italy. Results revealed that people felt a strong deprivation feeling in relation to the restrictions imposed on UGS access, which limited the number of spaces for supporting mental and physical wellbeing of citizens. Users from urban areas were more affected by the lockdowns and more willing to share thoughts on social media, demonstrating a strong emotionality. Furthermore, findings show that users seemed concerned about their children's health, expressing awareness about the benefits of being in contact with nature. UGS is able to provide services to citizens, and close-to-home parks are fundamental for the community, in particular during a health emergency. The implementation of urban design, which includes green areas to support health and environment challenges, should be addressed by policy-makers to create opportunities for a green and resilient recovery of cities, and prepare for future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Marchi
- National Research Council, Institute of BioEconomy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - A Speak
- Department of Geography, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
| | - F Ugolini
- National Research Council, Institute of BioEconomy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - G Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - G Carrus
- Roma Tre University, Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, via del Castro Pretorio, 20, Rome, Italy
| | - F Salbitano
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Forest Science and Technologies, University of Florence, Via San Bonaventura, 13, Florence, Italy
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Theodorou A, Panno A, Agrimi M, Masini E, Carrus G. Can We Barter Local Taxes for Maintaining Our Green? A Psychological Perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:816217. [PMID: 35295377 PMCID: PMC8920541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.816217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research highlighted that the desire for neighborhood improvement is an antecedent of the citizens’ involvement in green urban areas maintenance. Nevertheless, the topic of civic participation in the maintenance of green areas is not yet well developed in the literature and a link with local legislation is missing. We investigate the intention of participation in such maintenance through a web-based experiment. We hypothesize that stimuli of poor (vs. good) maintenance will be associated with a higher intention of contributing to the upkeep of green areas following the administrative barter law. The administrative barter is a law approved in Italy, which gives citizens the possibility of a reduction of local taxes in exchange for their involvement in the improvement of the territory. One hundred ninety-six participants (Mage = 33.81) were assigned randomly to good maintenance condition (n = 100) or poor maintenance condition (n = 96). The level of maintenance was manipulated through photographs of a neighborhood depicting good or poor maintenance of the urban green ornamentation. Results pointed out that people showed a greater willingness to engage in the improvement of green urban areas in the poor condition as compared to the good condition, according to the administrative barter law. This study suggests that local legislation may provide an incentive fostering citizens’ involvement in green urban areas maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Agrimi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Emanuela Masini
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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Pasca L, Carrus G, Loureiro A, Navarro Ó, Panno A, Tapia Follen C, Aragonés JI. Connectedness and well-being in simulated nature. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 14:397-412. [PMID: 34605598 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
People relate to nature physically, cognitively and emotionally, and this relationship fosters their well-being. There are several types of environments that vary according to their degree of naturalness, raising the question of whether they each exert different effects on people, connectedness and well-being. In order to study the extent to which environmental connectedness and well-being are a function of viewing different types of nature, we conducted a study with 454 participants from five different countries, who viewed images on a computer screen of one of three types of environment (totally natural, quasi-natural or non-natural) and responded to a series of associated items. The results of a mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of type of environment on well-being through positive and negative affect and connectedness to nature. The corresponding ANOVAs revealed differences in the connectedness and well-being elicited by different types of environment, and in preference: totally natural and quasi-natural environments (with no differences between them) showed differences with non-natural environments. Therefore, our study results suggest the usefulness of images of natural environments in fostering people's well-being and connectedness to nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pasca
- Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Loureiro
- Faculty of Psychology, Lusofona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Óscar Navarro
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Angelo Panno
- Social Psychology Department, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Carrus G, Tiberio L, Mastandrea S, Chokrai P, Fritsche I, Klöckner CA, Masson T, Vesely S, Panno A. Psychological Predictors of Energy Saving Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Approach. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648221. [PMID: 34248747 PMCID: PMC8265205 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how psychological processes drive human energy choices is an urgent, and yet relatively under-investigated, need for contemporary society. A knowledge gap still persists on the links between psychological factors identified in earlier studies and people's behaviors in the energy domain. This research applies a meta-analytical procedure to assess the strength of the associations between five different classes of individual variables (i.e.,: attitudes, intentions, values, awareness, and emotions) and energy-saving behavioral intentions and behaviors (self-reported and actual). Based on a systematic review of studies published between 2007 and 2017, we estimate the average effect size of predictor-criterion relations, and we assess relevant moderators and publication bias, drawing on data obtained from 102 independent samples reported in 67 published studies (N = 59.948). Results from a series of five single meta-analyses reveal a pattern of significant positive associations between the selected psychological determinants and energy-saving indicators: associations between individual-level predictors and energy-saving outcomes are positive and moderate in size, ranging from large effects for emotions to small-moderate effects for pro-environmental values. Interestingly, moderation analysis reveals, among other things, that attitude-behavior links are not statistically significant when actual behavior is considered as an outcome. Implications for policy interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Tiberio
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastandrea
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Parissa Chokrai
- Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Immo Fritsche
- Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian A Klöckner
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torsten Masson
- Department of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stepan Vesely
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Theodorou A, Panno A, Carrus G, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Imperatori C. Stay home, stay safe, stay green: The role of gardening activities on mental health during the Covid-19 home confinement. Urban For Urban Green 2021; 61:127091. [PMID: 35702591 PMCID: PMC9186381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Social distancing and home confinement during the first wave of Covid-19 have been essential to helping governments to flatten the infection curve but raised concerns on possible negative consequences such as prolonged isolation or sedentary lifestyles. In this scenario, gardening activities have been identified as a plausible tool to buffer the mental health consequences of forced home confinement. In this paper, we investigate the relation between gardening and psychopathological distress during the lockdown of the first wave of Covid-19 in Italy. It is hypothesized that engagement in gardening activities promotes psychological health, through a reduction of Covid-related stress. An online survey was administered through sharing using social media to N = 303 participants during the March-May 2020 lockdown in Italy, measuring Covid-19 related distress, psychopathological distress, engagement in gardening activities plus a series of socio-demographic and residential covariates. As expected, a mediation model tested using a bootstrapping procedure showed that gardening is related to lower psychopathological distress through decreased Covid-19 related distress. Interestingly, results also showed that psychopathological distress was higher for women and unmarried respondents, and negatively associated with age and square meters per person at home. The theoretical and practical implications for social policies contrasting the Covid-19 pandemic are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Theodorou
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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16
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Pirchio S, Passiatore Y, Panno A, Cipparone M, Carrus G. The Effects of Contact With Nature During Outdoor Environmental Education on Students' Wellbeing, Connectedness to Nature and Pro-sociality. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648458. [PMID: 34017288 PMCID: PMC8129515 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiences of contact with nature in school education might be beneficial for promoting ecological lifestyles and the wellbeing of children, families, and teachers. Many theories and empirical evidence on restorative environments, as well as on the foundations of classical pedagogical approaches, recognize the value of the direct experience with natural elements, and the related psychological and educational outcomes (e.g., positive emotions, autonomy, self-efficacy, empathy). In this work we present two studies focusing on the contact with nature in outdoor education interventions with primary and secondary school students in Italy. A questionnaire measuring connectedness to nature, psycho-physical wellbeing, pro-environmental attitudes, students' life satisfaction, pro-social behavior, empathy and anxiety was completed before and after the education program by the participants to the intervention group and by students of a control group. The students in the intervention groups (154 in study 1 and 170 in study 2) participated in environmental education programs consisting in guided activities in contact with the nature during four visits in one of two natural protected areas. The students in the control groups (253 in study 1 and 168 in study 2) attended the same schools as the intervention group but they were not involved in the environmental education program. The students in both the groups completed the questionnaire in the same weeks of the year. Findings show that taking part to the outdoor education program has positive outcomes on psycho-physical wellbeing, on connectedness to nature and on pro-social behavior of students in the intervention group, compared to the control group. The implications related to the effectiveness of outdoor education interventions and future directions of research and practice in environmental psychology and education are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Pirchio
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Passiatore
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurilio Cipparone
- University Consortium for Socio-Economic Research and for the Environment (CURSA), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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17
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Panno A, Theodorou A, Carrus G, Imperatori C, Spano G, Sanesi G. Nature Reappraisers, Benefits for the Environment: A Model Linking Cognitive Reappraisal, the "Being Away" Dimension of Restorativeness and Eco-Friendly Behavior. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1986. [PMID: 32849158 PMCID: PMC7424049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, an increasingly prominent role has been given to the motivational factors that can promote pro-environmental behavior. In this contribution, we focus on the role of the individual’s ability to shape the emotions originating from nature in engaging in pro-environmental behavior. In particular, we expect that an emotion regulation strategy as cognitive reappraisal should positively predict pro-environmental behavior, through enhanced perceived restorativeness attributed to the natural environment in terms of the experience of “being away.” One-hundred and fifteen visitors to an urban park (Parco Nord Milano) filled out a questionnaire including measures of cognitive reappraisal, the experience of “being away,” and pro-environmental behavior while in the park. Results confirmed that cognitive reappraisal was positively and significantly related to pro-environmental behavior. Importantly, the indirect effect of cognitive reappraisal on pro-environmental behavior through the experience of “being away” was significant. Findings suggest the importance of implementing interventions aimed at promoting the habitual use of cognitive reappraisal to enhance the experience of “being away” and, thus, sustain pro-environmental behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Theodorou
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Science, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Spano
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Tiberio L, De Gregorio E, Biresselioglu ME, Demir MH, Panno A, Carrus G. Psychological Processes and Institutional Actors in the Sustainable Energy Transition: A Case-Study Analysis of a Local Community in Italy. Front Psychol 2020; 11:980. [PMID: 32508724 PMCID: PMC7248339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a qualitative study exploring the role of formal social units in the sustainable energy transition process. A small community in North-east Italy was assumed as case study, in the context of a wider EU-funded research project aimed at understanding the individual and collective dimensions of energy-related choices. Starting from a general framework and integrated approach to explain sustainable energy transitions proposed by Steg et al. (2015), the main aim of our study was to identify the psychological and social factors that motivated the key actors to undertake an energy self-sufficiency path in the case-study area. Our analyses aimed at understanding the social, cultural, and socioeconomic dynamics in the energy transition process of the community. The study outlined how these factors contributed to foster collaborative actions between public decision makers, relevant stakeholders, civil society, and citizens. Results of a computer-supported qualitative content analysis using the software MAXQDA helped to shed light on the specific mechanisms and dynamics driving energy choices and energy-related behavior among the community. The implication for best practices and successful implementations of energy transition process in small communities emerging from this case study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Muhittin Hakan Demir
- Department of Logistics Management, İzmir University of Economics, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Scopelliti M, Carrus G, Bonaiuto M. Is it Really Nature That Restores People? A Comparison With Historical Sites With High Restorative Potential. Front Psychol 2019; 9:2742. [PMID: 30745891 PMCID: PMC6360171 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on restorative environments has showed the healthy outcomes of nature experience, though often by comparing attractive natural to unattractive built environments. Some studies indeed showed the restorative value of artistic/historical settings. In a quasi-experimental study involving 125 participants in Rome, Italy, a natural and a built/historical environment, both scoring high in restorative properties, were evaluated in a natural, built/historical, or neutral setting. In accordance with the Biophilia hypothesis and the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), we hypothesized: a higher restorative potential of nature also when compared to built/historical environments; a moderation effect of on-site experience on perceived restorative potential (PRP) of both environmental typologies; higher levels of restorative properties of the environment for on-site vs. not on-site respondents; and a mediation effect of the restorative properties of the environment in the relationship between time spent on-site and PRP. Results supported the hypotheses. In addition, different psychological processes leading to restoration emerged for the natural and the built/historical environment. Theoretical implications for ART and practical applications for an integrative urban design with natural and historical elements are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Scopelliti
- Department of Human Studies, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Interuniversity Research on Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marino Bonaiuto
- Centre for Interuniversity Research on Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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20
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Carrus G, Pirchio S, Mastandrea S. Social-Cultural Processes and Urban Affordances for Healthy and Sustainable Food Consumption. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2407. [PMID: 30574108 PMCID: PMC6291490 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we provide an overview of research highlighting the relation between cultural processes, social norms, and food choices, discussing the implication of these findings for the promotion of more sustainable lifestyles. Our aim is to outline how environmental psychological research on urban affordances, through the specific concepts of restorative environments and walkability, could complement these findings to better understand human health, wellbeing and quality of life. We highlight how social norms and cultural processes are linked to food choices, and we discuss the possible health-related outcomes of cultural differences in food practices as well as their relation to acculturation and globalization processes. We also discuss the concepts of restorative environments and walkability as positive urban affordances, their relation to human wellbeing, and the possible link with cultural processes and sustainable lifestyles. Finally, we outline issues for future research and areas for policy-making and interventions on the links between cultural processes, healthy and sustainable food consumption and urban affordances, for the pursuit of public health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabine Pirchio
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastandrea
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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21
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Livi S, Pica G, Carrus G, Rullo M, Gentile M. Motivated Shield From Chronic Noise Environment: Moderation of the Relationship Between Noise Sensitivity and Work Wellbeing by Need for Closure. Front Psychol 2018; 9:663. [PMID: 29892238 PMCID: PMC5985512 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have underlined how chronic exposure to environmental noise may have negative effects on performance, wellbeing, and social relations. The present study (N = 90 employees of a motor factory who are chronically exposed to environmental noise) investigated whether the negative effects of chronic exposure of noise-sensitive individuals to noise in the workplace may be moderated by the need for cognitive closure (i.e., an epistemic tendency to reduce uncertainty; NFCC, Kruglanski, 2004). As NFCC has been shown to enhance protection of the focal goal by reducing interference (Kossowska, 2007; Pica et al., 2013), we hypothesized that people with high NFCC should be able to manage the interference coming from environmental noise and concentrate on their tasks more than their low-NFCC counterparts. The results confirm that the negative effects of noise sensitivity on job satisfaction, state anxiety, and turnover intent were higher among low (vs. high)-NFCC individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Livi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Pica
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Formazione, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Rullo
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Gentile
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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22
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Mastandrea S, Maricchiolo F, Carrus G, Giovannelli I, Giuliani V, Berardi D. Visits to figurative art museums may lower blood pressure and stress. Arts Health 2018; 11:1-10. [PMID: 31038442 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2018.1443953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The research aimed to assess, through physiological measurements such as blood pressure and heart rate, whether exposure to art museums and to different art styles (figurative vs. modern art) was able to enhance visitors' well-being in terms of relaxing and stress reduction. METHOD Participants (n = 77) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, on the basis of the typology of the art style they were exposed to in the museum visit: (1) figurative art, (2) modern art and (3) museum office (as a control condition). Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after the visits. RESULTS Diastolic values of the participants were quite stable, as expected in people who do not suffer hypertension; we therefore considered only variations in systolic blood pressure. The majority of the participants exposed to figurative art significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to those exposed to modern art and museum office. No differences were found in the heart rate before and after the visit for the three groups. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that museum visits can have health benefits, and figurative art may decrease systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuseppe Carrus
- a Department of Education , Roma Tre University , Rome , Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Berardi
- b Department of Cardiology , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
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Abstract
Abstract. Little is known about epistemic motivations affecting political ideology when people make environmental decisions. In two studies, we examined the key role that political ideology played in the relationship between need for cognitive closure (NCC) and self-reported eco-friendly behavior. Study 1: 279 participants completed the NCC, pro-environmental, and political ideology measures. Mediation analyses showed that NCC was related to less pro-environmental behavior through more right-wing political ideology. Study 2: We replicated these results with a nonstudent sample (n = 240) and both social and economic conservatism as mediators. The results of Study 2 showed that social conservatism mediated the relationship between NCC and pro-environmental behavior. Finally, NCC was associated with pro-environmental attitude through both social and economic conservatism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Ambra Brizi
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fridanna Maricchiolo
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacomantonio
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Mannetti
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Pirchio S, Passiatore Y, Panno A, Maricchiolo F, Carrus G. A Chip Off the Old Block: Parents' Subtle Ethnic Prejudice Predicts Children's Implicit Prejudice. Front Psychol 2018; 9:110. [PMID: 29479328 PMCID: PMC5811875 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing flow of immigrants in many European countries and the growing presence of children from immigrant families in schools makes it relevant to study the development of prejudice in children. Parents play an important role in shaping children’s values and their attitudes toward members of other ethnic groups; an intergenerational transmission of prejudice has been found in a number of studies targeting adolescents. The present study aims to investigate the intergenerational transmission of ethnic prejudice in 3- to 9- year-old children and its relations to parenting styles. Parents’ blatant and subtle ethnic prejudice and parenting style are measured together with children’s explicit and implicit ethnic prejudice in pupils and parents of preschool and primary schools in the region of Rome, Italy (N = 318). Results show that parents’ subtle prejudice predicts children’s implicit prejudice regardless of the parenting style. Findings indicate that children might acquire prejudice by means of the parents’ implicit cognition and automatic behavior and educational actions. Implications for future studies and insights for possible applied interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Pirchio
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Passiatore Y, Pirchio S, Carrus G, Maricchiolo F, Fiorilli C, Arcidiacono F. Intercultural practices and inclusive education in Europe: can migration be a resource for individual and societal development? Eur J Psychol Educ 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10212-017-0360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Panno A, Carrus G, Lafortezza R, Mariani L, Sanesi G. Nature-based solutions to promote human resilience and wellbeing in cities during increasingly hot summers. Environ Res 2017; 159:249-256. [PMID: 28822309 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Air temperatures are increasing because of global climate change. A warming phenomenon strongly related to global climate change is the urban heat island. It has been shown that the hotter temperatures occurring in cities during the summer negatively affect human wellbeing, but little is known about the potential mechanisms underlying the relationships between hotter temperatures, cognitive psychological resources and wellbeing. The aim of the present research is to understand whether, and how, spending time in urban green spaces, which can be considered as a specific kind of Nature-Based Solution (NBS), helps the recovery of cognitive resources and wellbeing. The main hypothesis is that contact with urban green is related to wellbeing through the depletion of cognitive resources (i.e., ego depletion). Moreover, we expected that individuals showing higher scores of ego depletion also report a higher estimate of the maximum temperature reached during the summer. The results of a survey (N = 115) conducted among visitors to Parco Nord Milano, a large urban park located in Milan (Italy), point out that people visiting the park during the summer show a higher level of wellbeing as well as a lower level of ego depletion. A mediation analysis shows that visiting urban green spaces is associated with greater wellbeing through less ego depletion. Our results also point out that, as expected, people showing a higher level of ego depletion tend to overestimate the maximum air temperature. Implications for future studies and applied interventions regarding the role of NBS to promote human wellbeing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lafortezza
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science (Di.S.A.A.T.), University of Bari A. Moro, Bari, Italy; Center for Global Change and Earth Observations (CGCEO), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Luigi Mariani
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science (Di.S.A.A.T.), University of Bari A. Moro, Bari, Italy
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27
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Carrus G, Scopelliti M, Panno A, Lafortezza R, Colangelo G, Pirchio S, Ferrini F, Salbitano F, Agrimi M, Portoghesi L, Semenzato P, Sanesi G. A Different Way to Stay in Touch with 'Urban Nature': The Perceived Restorative Qualities of Botanical Gardens. Front Psychol 2017; 8:914. [PMID: 28620335 PMCID: PMC5450850 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Botanical gardens represent interesting arenas for research in environmental psychology and environment-behavior relations. They can be considered a very particular type of restorative environment and also have a relevant social function for the promotion of a more sustainable lifestyle in current societies. In this paper, we present a study assessing the relationship between the perceived restorativeness, the psychological and physical benefits experienced, and the subjective well-being reported by visitors of botanical gardens in four different cities in Italy (N = 127). As expected, a bootstrapping mediation model supported the idea that perceived restorativeness of botanical gardens significantly predicts visitors’ subjective well-being, both directly and indirectly through perceived physical and psychological benefits of the visit. A moderation model also revealed that the relationship between restorativeness and well-being varies across respondents with different socio-demographic characteristics, being stronger for singles as compared to couples with and without children, respectively. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carrus
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre UniversityRome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Panno
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre UniversityRome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lafortezza
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of BariBari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colangelo
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of BariBari, Italy
| | - Sabine Pirchio
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrini
- Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorence, Italy
| | - Fabio Salbitano
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Forest Systems Management, University of FlorenceFlorence, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Agrimi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems, Tuscia UniversityViterbo, Italy
| | - Luigi Portoghesi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems, Tuscia UniversityViterbo, Italy
| | - Paolo Semenzato
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of PaduaPadua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of BariBari, Italy
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Carrus G, Panno A, Deiana L, Crano WD, Fiorentino D, Ceccanti M, Mareri AR, Bonifazi A, Giuliani A. Group Membership and Adolescents' Alcohol Intake: The Role of Drinking Motives. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2016; 77:143-9. [PMID: 26751364 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2016.77.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Group norms and drinking motives are crucial predictors of adolescents' alcohol intake. The current study examined the role of drinking motives in the association between descriptive group norms and alcohol intake. METHOD A sample of 525 Italian adolescents (56% men) was surveyed. Participants completed measures of group norms, drinking motives, and personal drinking. RESULTS Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that stronger group norms were positively related to increased alcohol intake. Drinking for enhancement and social motives also were related to increased alcohol intake. Mediation analysis showed that group norms were related to alcohol intake through social and enhancement drinking motives. CONCLUSIONS Drinking motives provide fruitful insights into the relationship between descriptive group norms and excessive alcohol use among adolescents. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre - University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Roma Tre - University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Deiana
- Alcohol Centre, S. Francesco Hospital, Local Sanitary Unit, Nuoro, Italy
| | - William D Crano
- School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California
| | - Daniela Fiorentino
- Lazio Regional Center for Alcohol, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Center on Alcoholism, Alcohol Addiction Program, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Adele Bonifazi
- Service for Addictions, Local Sanitary Unit, Rieti, Italy
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Panno A, Carrus G, Maricchiolo F, Mannetti L. Cognitive reappraisal and pro-environmental behavior: The role of global climate change perception. Eur J Soc Psychol 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory; Roma Tre University; Rome Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrus
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory; Roma Tre University; Rome Italy
| | - Fridanna Maricchiolo
- Department of Education, Experimental Psychology Laboratory; Roma Tre University; Rome Italy
| | - Lucia Mannetti
- Department of Social & Developmental Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome; Rome Italy
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Tomao A, Secondi L, Corona P, Carrus G, Agrimi M. Exploring Individuals’ Well-being Visiting Urban and Peri-Urban Green Areas: A Quantile Regression Approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaspro.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fornara F, Carrus G, Passafaro P, Bonnes M. Distinguishing the sources of normative influence on proenvironmental behaviors. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430211408149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether different kinds of social norms make a distinct contribution and are differently associated to a place-related behavior, such as household waste recycling. The construct of “local norms” is introduced to identify the normative influence that derives from people sharing the same spatial-physical setting. This kind of influence is expected to hold particular relevance when dealing with individual behaviors that have spatially defined collective implications. Participants were 452 residents of various Italian cities, who filled in a questionnaire measuring intentions to recycle, attitudes towards recycling, perceived behavioral control, and 4 kinds of norms stemming from a 2 x 2 combination (i.e., injunctive vs. descriptive, and subjective vs. local norms). Structural equation modelling analyses confirmed the empirical distinction of the 4 kinds of norms, and showed their independent effects on recycling intentions. In particular, descriptive norms (both subjective and local) emerged as powerful predictors of the target proenvironmental behavior, both directly and indirectly through their influence on perceived behavioral control. The implications of the distinction among different kinds of social norms and their relationship with the other dimensions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Fornara
- University of Cagliari and Centre for Inter-University Research on Environmental Psychology (CIRPA)
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Nenci AM, Carrus G, Caddeo P, Meloni A. Group processes in food choices: The role of ethnic identity and perceived ethnic norms upon intentions to purchase ethnical food products. J Community Appl Soc Psychol 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Carrus G, Nenci AM, Caddeo P. The role of ethnic identity and perceived ethnic norms in the purchase of ethnical food products. Appetite 2008; 52:65-71. [PMID: 18775756 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2008] [Accepted: 08/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The role of group and individual variables in the purchasing of ethnical food products was tested through an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model. A total of 100 Indian female immigrants, living in Rome, Italy, were administered a self-reported questionnaire measuring the classical TPB variables (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions and self-reported behaviors) plus 3 additional variables: identification with the Indian ethnic group, perceived norms of the Indian ethnic group, and past behavior. Results confirmed that the new variables introduced are distinct from the original TPB components. As expected, variables at both the individual and group level play a role in predicting purchasing of ethnical foods products. Hierarchical multiple regressions showed that past behavior, ethnical identification, and perceived group norms explain an additional proportion of variance in intentions and self-reported behaviors, independently of attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control. A significant 2-way interaction between ethnical identification and perceived group norms was also detected: as predicted, the highest levels of ethnical food purchasing behavior were reported by high ethnical identifiers with stronger ethnical group norms, while the lowest levels were reported by low ethnical identifiers with weaker ethnical group norms. Theoretical and practical implications of results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carrus
- University of Roma Tre, Department of Cultural and Educational Studies, Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Via del Castro Pretorio 20, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Bonaiuto M, Bilotta E, Bonnes M, Ceccarelli M, Martorella H, Carrus G. Local Identity and the Role of Individual Differences in the Use of Natural Resources: The Case of Water Consumption. J Appl Social Pyschol 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2008.00333.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bonnes M, Carrus G, Bonaiuto M, Fornara F, Passafaro P. Inhabitants' Environmental Perceptions in the City of Rome within the Framework for Urban Biosphere Reserves of the UNESCO Programme on Man and Biosphere. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1023:175-86. [PMID: 15253906 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1319.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The article presents the main tenets of the UNESCO Programme on Man and Biosphere (MAB), launched by the United Nations at the beginning of the 1970s. The program aimed at supporting applied research and scientific knowledge for managing natural resources in a rational and sustainable way. The implication of the full ecological perspective, typical of the MAB, for promoting multidisciplinary and integrated approaches in the study of environmental issues is briefly outlined. In particular, we point out the role of the MAB, through the biosphere reserve concept, in supporting the collaboration between natural-biological and social-behavioral sciences when dealing with biodiversity conservation problems and with urban ecosystems. Then, the specific UNESCO-MAB Project on the city of Rome, launched at the end of the 1980s, is briefly presented, together with the recent project of the Department of the Environment of the Rome Municipality to propose Rome's urban and periurban green areas as a new UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve. The results of the main research activities conducted therein are summarized. In particular, the specific research lines of the environmental psychology research group, involved in the MAB-Rome Project for approximately two decades, are presented. These research lines dealt with various aspects of residents' environmental perceptions and behaviors in the city of Rome. The practical implications of these results are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirilia Bonnes
- University of Rome "La Sapienza," Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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