The Role of Compensatory Beliefs in Rationalizing Environmentally Detrimental Behaviors

HOPE, Aimie LB, JONES, Christopher R, WEBB, Thomas L, WATSON, Matthew L and KAKLAMANOU, Daphne (2018). The Role of Compensatory Beliefs in Rationalizing Environmentally Detrimental Behaviors. Environemt and Behavior, 50 (4), 401-425.

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Abstract

Compensatory green beliefs (CGBs) reflect the idea that a pro-environmental behavior (e.g., recycling) can off-set the negative effects of an environmentally detrimental behavior (e.g., driving). It is thought that CGBs might help explain why people act in ways that appear to contradict their pro-environmental intentions, and inconsistently engage in pro-environmental behaviors. The present study sought to investigate the nature and use of CGBs. A series of interviews suggested that participants endorsed CGBs to: (a) reduce feelings of guilt with respect to (the assumed or actual) negative environmental impact of their actions, and (b) to defend their green credentials in social situations. Participants also justified detrimental behaviors on the basis of higher loyalties (e.g., family’s needs), or the perceived difficulty of performing more pro-environmental actions. In addition to shedding light on how, when, and why people might hold and use CGBs, the research also provides new insight into how CGBs should be assessed.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Psychology Research Group
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities > Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916517706730
Page Range:	401-425
Depositing User:	Daphne Kaklamanou
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2017 11:57
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 15:04
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16034

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