Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102941
Youjin Jang , Yungwook Kim
This study advances the risk information-seeking literature by theoretically and empirically distinguishing among three types of perceived norms, descriptive, injunctive, and subjective, in the context of climate change. Drawing on key constructs from the Risk Perception Attitude (RPA) framework and the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model, this study tests an integrated model using a Korean sample. While prior RISP research has often subsumed multiple norm types under a single construct, this study treats them as conceptually distinct and tests their unique associations with information-seeking intentions. Results show that subjective norms, expectations from important others, were the strongest predictor of information-seeking intentions, while descriptive and injunctive norms had no direct effects. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing among different types of perceived norms and demonstrate how such differentiation enhances understanding of normative influences on climate-related information-seeking within the Korean context.
{"title":"What determines One's information seeking intention: Integrating information seeking theories in the context of climate change with Korean sample","authors":"Youjin Jang , Yungwook Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study advances the risk information-seeking literature by theoretically and empirically distinguishing among three types of perceived norms, descriptive, injunctive, and subjective, in the context of climate change. Drawing on key constructs from the Risk Perception Attitude (RPA) framework and the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model, this study tests an integrated model using a Korean sample. While prior RISP research has often subsumed multiple norm types under a single construct, this study treats them as conceptually distinct and tests their unique associations with information-seeking intentions. Results show that subjective norms, expectations from important others, were the strongest predictor of information-seeking intentions, while descriptive and injunctive norms had no direct effects. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing among different types of perceived norms and demonstrate how such differentiation enhances understanding of normative influences on climate-related information-seeking within the Korean context.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102941"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102924
Emily K. Owen , Richard P. Taylor , Margaret E. Sereno
Fractal patterns are abundant in natural environments, appearing in clouds, mountains, trees, and other objects. Characterized by self-repeating structure, these patterns vary in visual complexity, which can shape aesthetic perception. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the fractal properties of natural objects to estimate typical levels of fractal complexity. Using fractal dimension (D) as a measure, we found that natural objects tended to exhibit moderate rather than extreme complexity. Building on this review, we used computer-generated “composite fractal” stimuli to investigate how observers perceive layered fractal structures. In a behavioral within-subjects study, we examined the relationships between fractal type, fractal dimension, and visual appeal. We created two types of fractals to mimic common natural forms: “contour” and “cluster” fractals. Study blocks included single-layer fractals, composite fractals with contour and cluster layers of the same D value, composite fractals with differing D values across layers, and a mix of single and composite fractals. Results showed that visual appeal for contour fractals peaked at D = 1.1, while cluster fractals were preferred at D = 1.5–1.7. For composite fractals with equal D values, peak appeal occurred at D = 1.1–1.5, whereas for multi-D composites, visual preference was greatest when the contour layer was of lower complexity than the cluster layer. These findings support fractal fluency theory, suggesting that aesthetic responses are influenced by the prevalence and relational structure of fractal patterns in natural environments.
{"title":"Using composite fractal patterns to investigate the aesthetic perception of nature's scenery","authors":"Emily K. Owen , Richard P. Taylor , Margaret E. Sereno","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fractal patterns are abundant in natural environments, appearing in clouds, mountains, trees, and other objects. Characterized by self-repeating structure, these patterns vary in visual complexity, which can shape aesthetic perception. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the fractal properties of natural objects to estimate typical levels of fractal complexity. Using fractal dimension (<em>D</em>) as a measure, we found that natural objects tended to exhibit moderate rather than extreme complexity. Building on this review, we used computer-generated “composite fractal” stimuli to investigate how observers perceive layered fractal structures. In a behavioral within-subjects study, we examined the relationships between fractal type, fractal dimension, and visual appeal. We created two types of fractals to mimic common natural forms: “contour” and “cluster” fractals. Study blocks included single-layer fractals, composite fractals with contour and cluster layers of the same <em>D</em> value, composite fractals with differing <em>D</em> values across layers, and a mix of single and composite fractals. Results showed that visual appeal for contour fractals peaked at <em>D</em> = 1.1, while cluster fractals were preferred at <em>D</em> = 1.5–1.7. For composite fractals with equal <em>D</em> values, peak appeal occurred at <em>D</em> = 1.1–1.5, whereas for multi-<em>D</em> composites, visual preference was greatest when the contour layer was of lower complexity than the cluster layer. These findings support fractal fluency theory, suggesting that aesthetic responses are influenced by the prevalence and relational structure of fractal patterns in natural environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102924"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102937
Anna K. Zinn, Charlie Pittaway, Daniel Nyberg, Winnifred Louis
The perceptions of the state as corrupt or captured by ‘fossil fuel’ or ‘green’ interests influence climate action. Yet despite its importance, there is limited research on how such perceptions are linked to mobilisation for environmental action, general perceptions of climate change and politics, and climate action intentions. We test these relationships with two datasets of participants living in Queensland (Australia), sampled at two timepoints. In both samples (Ns = 941, 765), we found significant relationships between perceptions of state capture and corruption and (1) mobilisation for environmental collective action, assessed through the constructs central to the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA); (2) perceptions of threat caused by climate change; and (3) intentions for environmental action. We found these associations even when controlling for political orientation and perceptions of anomie (that is, perceptions of societal decay). These findings have important implications for understanding how beliefs about state functioning relate to attitudes and actions in the climate change context.
{"title":"Perceived state capture and corruption regarding climate change: Links to mobilisation, perceptions, and climate action intentions","authors":"Anna K. Zinn, Charlie Pittaway, Daniel Nyberg, Winnifred Louis","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102937","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The perceptions of the state as corrupt or captured by ‘fossil fuel’ or ‘green’ interests influence climate action. Yet despite its importance, there is limited research on how such perceptions are linked to mobilisation for environmental action, general perceptions of climate change and politics, and climate action intentions. We test these relationships with two datasets of participants living in Queensland (Australia), sampled at two timepoints. In both samples (<em>N</em>s = 941, 765), we found significant relationships between perceptions of state capture and corruption and (1) mobilisation for environmental collective action, assessed through the constructs central to the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA); (2) perceptions of threat caused by climate change; and (3) intentions for environmental action. We found these associations even when controlling for political orientation and perceptions of anomie (that is, perceptions of societal decay). These findings have important implications for understanding how beliefs about state functioning relate to attitudes and actions in the climate change context.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102937"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102916
Yun Meng , Zheng Zhang , Zhaoyang Xie , Shuaixiao Li , Hanqing Wang , Hongli Sun , Yuanyuan Wang
This study investigates the association between different dimensions of belief in a just world and naturalness preference, and further examines the roles of rationalism and holistic thinking. Structural equation modeling indicated that personal belief in a just world was positively associated with naturalness preference, whereas general belief was not significantly associated. Holistic thinking demonstrated statistically significant indirect associations between both belief in a just world’ dimensions and naturalness preference. Rationalism exhibited an indirect association only in the personal belief in a just world pathway and, together with holistic thinking, formed a potential sequential mediation pattern. The study highlights the theoretical relevance of distinguishing dimensions of BJW, provides a new perspective for understanding correlational patterns underlying naturalness preference, and lays the groundwork for future research on how social beliefs and cognitive factors shape decision-making in domains related to naturalness, health, or sustainability.
{"title":"Divergent mechanisms linking belief in a just world to naturalness preference: The roles of rationalism and holistic thinking","authors":"Yun Meng , Zheng Zhang , Zhaoyang Xie , Shuaixiao Li , Hanqing Wang , Hongli Sun , Yuanyuan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the association between different dimensions of belief in a just world and naturalness preference, and further examines the roles of rationalism and holistic thinking. Structural equation modeling indicated that personal belief in a just world was positively associated with naturalness preference, whereas general belief was not significantly associated. Holistic thinking demonstrated statistically significant indirect associations between both belief in a just world’ dimensions and naturalness preference. Rationalism exhibited an indirect association only in the personal belief in a just world pathway and, together with holistic thinking, formed a potential sequential mediation pattern. The study highlights the theoretical relevance of distinguishing dimensions of BJW, provides a new perspective for understanding correlational patterns underlying naturalness preference, and lays the groundwork for future research on how social beliefs and cognitive factors shape decision-making in domains related to naturalness, health, or sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102916"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102942
Louis Hognon , Claudia Teran-Escobar , Paquito Bernard , Guillaume Chevance , Pauline Caille
Serious games and gamified workshops are increasingly used in sustainability education, yet their actual cognitive, emotional, attitudinal, and behavioral impacts remain under-evaluated. The Climate Fresk is a widely implemented example, with over two million participants in more than 150 countries. Designed to raise climate awareness through collaborative learning and emotional engagement, its growing popularity contrasts with the limited scientific assessment of its effectiveness. This perspective paper uses The Climate Fresk as a case study to examine the broader challenges of evaluating serious games in climate education. Drawing on insights from environmental psychology, educational and behavioral sciences, we analyze its potential mechanisms of action, identify key moderating factors, such as participant characteristics, facilitator attributes, and implementation context, and highlight limitations in current evaluation practices. We conclude by outlining a research agenda that emphasizes the need for rigorous, theory-driven experimental designs, including randomized controlled trials focused on relevant psychological determinants of behavior change. Such efforts are essential to establish the evidence base required to improve the effectiveness, reproducibility, and scalability of gamified climate education interventions.
{"title":"A call for robust evaluations of the impacts of serious games for climate change mitigation: The Climate Fresk as a global case study","authors":"Louis Hognon , Claudia Teran-Escobar , Paquito Bernard , Guillaume Chevance , Pauline Caille","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102942","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102942","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Serious games and gamified workshops are increasingly used in sustainability education, yet their actual cognitive, emotional, attitudinal, and behavioral impacts remain under-evaluated. <em>The Climate Fresk</em> is a widely implemented example, with over two million participants in more than 150 countries. Designed to raise climate awareness through collaborative learning and emotional engagement, its growing popularity contrasts with the limited scientific assessment of its effectiveness. This perspective paper uses <em>The Climate Fresk</em> as a case study to examine the broader challenges of evaluating serious games in climate education. Drawing on insights from environmental psychology, educational and behavioral sciences, we analyze its potential mechanisms of action, identify key moderating factors, such as participant characteristics, facilitator attributes, and implementation context, and highlight limitations in current evaluation practices. We conclude by outlining a research agenda that emphasizes the need for rigorous, theory-driven experimental designs, including randomized controlled trials focused on relevant psychological determinants of behavior change. Such efforts are essential to establish the evidence base required to improve the effectiveness, reproducibility, and scalability of gamified climate education interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102942"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102968
Chandler E.G. Carr , Audrey Propp , Kayla R. Saikaly , Kira Bailey
Aesthetic experiences are a universal and constant phenomenon, affecting our decision making, job performance, and emotional reactivity. While the effects of aesthetic experiences reach far beyond the simple appreciation of art, most research in the field still focuses on subjective ratings of fine art. The current study explored the effect of decorating a lab space, through the addition of a rug, faux plants, artwork, and nicer desk and chair, on a participant's inhibitory control and emotional reactivity. Study 1 used an online survey to confirm that participants found the aesthetic room (i.e., decorated lab space) more pleasing and comforting, and expressed a greater willingness to work in that space compared to the bare room. In Study 2, participants performed a Proportion Congruent Stroop task to examine inhibitory control and a Emotion Vocabulary Stroop task to test inhibitory control in the context of emotional stimuli, or their emotional reactivity. Average response times on both tasks were faster in the aesthetic room, while accuracy did not differ between the rooms. Additionally, the bare room may impact the use of reactive, but not proactive, cognitive control. These results suggest that the aesthetics of a lab space may impact the efficiency of inhibitory control and conflict resolution in laboratory tasks. This research provides a controlled and standardized attempt at understanding the role that aesthetics plays in our daily lives by elaborating on the understudied link between aesthetics and inhibitory control.
{"title":"When science isn't beautiful: Lab aesthetics impact reaction times and reactive cognitive control","authors":"Chandler E.G. Carr , Audrey Propp , Kayla R. Saikaly , Kira Bailey","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aesthetic experiences are a universal and constant phenomenon, affecting our decision making, job performance, and emotional reactivity. While the effects of aesthetic experiences reach far beyond the simple appreciation of art, most research in the field still focuses on subjective ratings of fine art. The current study explored the effect of decorating a lab space, through the addition of a rug, faux plants, artwork, and nicer desk and chair, on a participant's inhibitory control and emotional reactivity. Study 1 used an online survey to confirm that participants found the aesthetic room (i.e., decorated lab space) more pleasing and comforting, and expressed a greater willingness to work in that space compared to the bare room. In Study 2, participants performed a Proportion Congruent Stroop task to examine inhibitory control and a Emotion Vocabulary Stroop task to test inhibitory control in the context of emotional stimuli, or their emotional reactivity. Average response times on both tasks were faster in the aesthetic room, while accuracy did not differ between the rooms. Additionally, the bare room may impact the use of reactive, but not proactive, cognitive control. These results suggest that the aesthetics of a lab space may impact the efficiency of inhibitory control and conflict resolution in laboratory tasks. This research provides a controlled and standardized attempt at understanding the role that aesthetics plays in our daily lives by elaborating on the understudied link between aesthetics and inhibitory control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102968"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102946
Xingbo Wang , Yanru Liu , Yalun Zhang , Zhenglian Su , Liyun Hua , Yajun Zhao , Jingguang Li
Previous studies have revealed a positive association between self-control (SC) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB). However, most of these studies have relied primarily on cross-sectional designs, thus limiting knowledge regarding the dynamic relationship between SC and PEB over time. The present study addresses this gap by adopting a longitudinal approach. In Study 1, SC and PEB were measured across two waves among 221 Chinese high school students. Cross-lagged panel models (CLPMs) revealed that SC predicted subsequent PEB. In Study 2, SC and PEB were measured across three waves among 1286 Chinese university students. The CLPMs replicated the findings of Study 1, demonstrating rank-order cross-lagged effects of SC on PEB. More importantly, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) revealed that SC was positively associated with PEB at the between-person level, such that individuals with higher SC exhibited greater PEB. However, no cross-lagged effects emerged at the within-person level, suggesting that changes in an individual's SC do not directly alter their PEB. These findings indicate that while SC is a stable trait associated with individual differences in PEB, naturally occurring SC fluctuations may not drive short-term behavioral change, highlighting the potential value of exploring strategies that minimize reliance on SC capacity or resources and considering SC as a criterion for selecting individuals for key environmental roles.
{"title":"Longitudinal associations between self-control and pro-environmental behaviors","authors":"Xingbo Wang , Yanru Liu , Yalun Zhang , Zhenglian Su , Liyun Hua , Yajun Zhao , Jingguang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous studies have revealed a positive association between self-control (SC) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB). However, most of these studies have relied primarily on cross-sectional designs, thus limiting knowledge regarding the dynamic relationship between SC and PEB over time. The present study addresses this gap by adopting a longitudinal approach. In Study 1, SC and PEB were measured across two waves among 221 Chinese high school students. Cross-lagged panel models (CLPMs) revealed that SC predicted subsequent PEB. In Study 2, SC and PEB were measured across three waves among 1286 Chinese university students. The CLPMs replicated the findings of Study 1, demonstrating rank-order cross-lagged effects of SC on PEB. More importantly, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) revealed that SC was positively associated with PEB at the between-person level, such that individuals with higher SC exhibited greater PEB. However, no cross-lagged effects emerged at the within-person level, suggesting that changes in an individual's SC do not directly alter their PEB. These findings indicate that while SC is a stable trait associated with individual differences in PEB, naturally occurring SC fluctuations may not drive short-term behavioral change, highlighting the potential value of exploring strategies that minimize reliance on SC capacity or resources and considering SC as a criterion for selecting individuals for key environmental roles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102946"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102899
Jianda Wang , Rabindra Nepal , Senmiao Yang , Kangyin Dong
Amidst escalating environmental challenges, the linkage between mental health and ecological behaviors has become a critical area of research. This study delves into how mental well-being influences an individual's subjective environmental awareness, employing data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey. The empirical evidence presented herein reveals that enhancements in individual mental health positively impact subjective environmental awareness. Furthermore, increasing education and household income establishes the mediating effect between mental health and subjective environmental awareness. The analysis also identifies variations in these effects based on different ages and household registration types. Additionally, the findings indicate that the beneficial impact of improved mental health on subjective environmental awareness extends through spillover and intergenerational effects. These results contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable behavior and highlight the potential role of psychological well-being in fostering environmental sustainability.
{"title":"Mental health and subjective environmental awareness: Individual behavioral, spillover, and intergenerational effects","authors":"Jianda Wang , Rabindra Nepal , Senmiao Yang , Kangyin Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amidst escalating environmental challenges, the linkage between mental health and ecological behaviors has become a critical area of research. This study delves into how mental well-being influences an individual's subjective environmental awareness, employing data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey. The empirical evidence presented herein reveals that enhancements in individual mental health positively impact subjective environmental awareness. Furthermore, increasing education and household income establishes the mediating effect between mental health and subjective environmental awareness. The analysis also identifies variations in these effects based on different ages and household registration types. Additionally, the findings indicate that the beneficial impact of improved mental health on subjective environmental awareness extends through spillover and intergenerational effects. These results contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable behavior and highlight the potential role of psychological well-being in fostering environmental sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102899"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102939
Magdalena Isabell Schwarz , Victoria Rosenauer , Thomas Vlasak , Alfred Barth
The relationship between eco-emotions and actual environmental behaviour has been a much-discussed topic. However, it remains unclear whether different climate-related emotions (e.g., eco-anxiety, eco-hope, eco-worry) promote or inhibit environmentally friendly behaviour, and whether their strength of influence differs. We address this research gap through meta-analytical calculations based on a systematic literature search conducted up to August 2025, encompassing databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. As almost all included studies reported multiple correlations between different eco-emotions and actual pro-environmental behaviour, a three-level meta-analysis was conducted to adequately model effect size dependency. For the meta-analyses, a random-effects model was applied using inverse variance weighting and a restricted maximum likelihood estimator. Additionally, to investigate the robustness of the effects, sensitivity analyses were performed, including the detection of outliers, influential studies, publication bias, p-hacking, small-study effects, and moderating variables. In total, the meta-analysis included 41 studies with 124 effect sizes based on a combined sample size of N = 76 749 participants. Our results show that actual pro-environmental behaviour is positively associated with the following eight emotions: anger, guilt, hope, depression/grief, anxiety, worry, negative affect, and mixed emotions. Furthermore, we found significant differences in the magnitude of effect sizes between the eco-emotions, following the descending order: worry, hope, anxiety, depression, and guilt. In summary, we provide novel insights into how climate-related emotions should be addressed in public discourse and offer recommendations on how they can serve as useful tools to enhance actual pro-environmental behaviour in the population.
{"title":"From anxiety to hope: Do climate change-related emotions influence actual environmental behaviour?","authors":"Magdalena Isabell Schwarz , Victoria Rosenauer , Thomas Vlasak , Alfred Barth","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The relationship between eco-emotions and actual environmental behaviour has been a much-discussed topic. However, it remains unclear whether different climate-related emotions (e.g., eco-anxiety, eco-hope, eco-worry) promote or inhibit environmentally friendly behaviour, and whether their strength of influence differs. We address this research gap through meta-analytical calculations based on a systematic literature search conducted up to August 2025, encompassing databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. As almost all included studies reported multiple correlations between different eco-emotions and actual pro-environmental behaviour, a three-level meta-analysis was conducted to adequately model effect size dependency. For the meta-analyses, a random-effects model was applied using inverse variance weighting and a restricted maximum likelihood estimator. Additionally, to investigate the robustness of the effects, sensitivity analyses were performed, including the detection of outliers, influential studies, publication bias, p-hacking, small-study effects, and moderating variables. In total, the meta-analysis included 41 studies with 124 effect sizes based on a combined sample size of N = 76 749 participants. Our results show that actual pro-environmental behaviour is positively associated with the following eight emotions: anger, guilt, hope, depression/grief, anxiety, worry, negative affect, and mixed emotions. Furthermore, we found significant differences in the magnitude of effect sizes between the eco-emotions, following the descending order: worry, hope, anxiety, depression, and guilt. In summary, we provide novel insights into how climate-related emotions should be addressed in public discourse and offer recommendations on how they can serve as useful tools to enhance actual pro-environmental behaviour in the population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48439,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Psychology","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102939"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.102930
Michael Dare , Jolanda Jetten , Hema Preya Selvanathan , Charlie R. Crimston
The escalating threat of climate-related disasters is challenging vulnerable communities to adapt across the world. This study examined the relationship between people's sense of community (as assessed by perceived cohesion and identification) and their perceptions of adaptive capacity, along with the role that their willingness to include all stakeholders may play in moderating this relationship. Geo-targeted surveys were used to collect data from 363 participants affected by the 2019/2020 ‘Black Summer’ Bushfires in Australia. We found that increased community cohesion and identification were linked to greater perceived adaptive capacity, along with evidence that these relationships may depend upon attitudes towards accommodating diverse stakeholder interests, such that more positive attitudes strengthened some of these associations while less positive attitudes attenuated them. These findings highlight the fundamental social underpinnings of collective adaptative capacity for communities responding to the threat of future climate-related disasters.
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