An integrated framework for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: The role of values, situational factors and goals

Linda Steg*, Jan Willem Bolderdijk, Kees Keizer, Goda Perlaviciute

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

993 Citations (Scopus)
8909 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Many environmental behaviours involve a conflict between hedonic and gain goals versus normative goals; people often need to incur some costs to benefit the environment. Based on this assumption, we propose an integrated theoretical framework for understanding behaviour change that identifies two routes to encourage pro-environmental behaviour. First, the conflict between goals can be reduced by decreasing the (hedonic and gain) costs of pro-environmental choices. Although this route is important when pro-environmental choices are very costly, it may not result in sustained pro-environmental actions. Second, normative goals can be strengthened. This strategy may encourage pro-environmental actions, even when it is somewhat costly. We propose that the strength of normative goals depends on values and situational factors that influence the accessibility of these values. We discuss theoretical implications of our reasoning, and indicate how the integrated framework adopted in this paper may advance theory development and environmental policy making. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)104-115
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology
Volume38
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun-2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An integrated framework for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: The role of values, situational factors and goals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this