University of Twente Student Theses
Transition to a sustainable society - A study on the complex interplay of possible antecedents for Pro-environmental Behaviour
Preusser, Fynn (2022) Transition to a sustainable society - A study on the complex interplay of possible antecedents for Pro-environmental Behaviour.
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| Abstract: | With an increasing need to challenge the harmful environmental trends, understanding the antecedents of Pro-Environmental Behaviour (PEB) becomes progressively relevant. Environmental Self-identity (ESI) has been shown to be a predictor for PEB. Additionally, studies show that Self-identity can be affected by the ease with which one can remind oneself of certain behaviours (EOR). Moreover, Social Comparison has been shown to be an important antecedent of self-identity as it helps to reduce uncertainty about oneself. The present study investigates the possibility of a mediation effect of EOR on ESI via Social Comparison. Further, it investigates if a subsequent change in ESI affects following PEB. For this purpose, an experimental survey was administered to a sample (N=97) of predominantly young, German, academics. Participants were randomly assigned to two EOR conditions and asked to recall either six (‘High’ EOR) or twelve (‘Low’ EOR) environmentally friendly behaviours from the past. The subsequent questionnaire entailed measures for Perceived Difficulty of the Task, Social Comparison, ESI and PEB. Neither a proposed total effect of the EOR condition on ESI nor a mediation effect via Social Comparison was found. Additionally, ESI did not predict PEB. However, EOR had a significant effect on the Perceived Difficulty of the Task. Furthermore, participants who engaged in more downward social comparison had higher ESI. Exploratory analysis revealed that there is a mediating effect of Perceived Difficulty of the Task on ESI via Social Comparison. In general, most of the results are not consistent with previous literature, except the finding that EOR tasks can be used to alter the Perceived Difficulty of a Task. Due to multiple methodological limitations the study calls for cautious interpretation of the results. Specifically, exploratory analysis revealed that the found results might be a product of the EOR task not manipulating the Perceived Difficulty severely enough. Future replicatory research is advised to reconsider the demands of the EOR task. Additionally, alternative, or improved measures should be considered. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/91031 |
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