Environmental issues are currently receiving a lot of attention due to the urgent need to change our habits in order to protect the planet. The issue of climate change carries great significance in present-day society, chiefly because of the rapid and substantial rise in greenhouse gas levels and the relentless growth in emissions. Consequently, our planet's temperature has escalated by one degree since the conclusion of the 19th century. The current critical scenario has prompted researchers to ascertain the primary predictors and individual characteristics that prompt individuals to engage in pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Previous research has analysed various psychological aspects linked to pro- environmental behaviours. This includes personality traits, social norms, beliefs, and emotions. This study examines the relationships between eco-emotions (such as eco-depression, eco-anxiety, and eco-anger) and PEBs, addressing the involvement of place attachment. 150 individuals (M = 35.69; SD = 15.51; 62% F) participated in this study who were requested to complete: 1) the place-attachment scale, which evaluated their level of attachment to their respective places of residence, 2) the eco-emotions scale, a comprehensive measure assessing the level of anxiety (eco-anxiety), depression (eco-depression), and anger (eco-anger) in relation to the ongoing environmental crisis, and 3) the pro-environment scale to evaluate their individual involvement in pro-environmental behaviours such as recycling, reuse, and various equivalent endeavours. Statistical analysis indicated that place attachment moderated the relationship between eco-anxiety (B = -0.16, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.286, 0.029]), eco-depression (B = - 0.24, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.368, 0.102]), and eco-anger (B = -0.21, SE = 0.06, 95% CI [-0.333, 0.079]), and PEBs. This means that the presence of place attachment weaken the impact of these negative emotions on individuals' willingness to engage in environmental actions. This study, through a new perspective that includes both the individual and the environment, highlights that place attachment can trigger the emotions in relation to PEBs.
The role of place attachment in the association between eco-emotions and sustainable behaviours: an Italian cross-sectional study
Danilo Bontempo
;Matteo Perazzini;Marco Giancola;Enrico Perilli.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Environmental issues are currently receiving a lot of attention due to the urgent need to change our habits in order to protect the planet. The issue of climate change carries great significance in present-day society, chiefly because of the rapid and substantial rise in greenhouse gas levels and the relentless growth in emissions. Consequently, our planet's temperature has escalated by one degree since the conclusion of the 19th century. The current critical scenario has prompted researchers to ascertain the primary predictors and individual characteristics that prompt individuals to engage in pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Previous research has analysed various psychological aspects linked to pro- environmental behaviours. This includes personality traits, social norms, beliefs, and emotions. This study examines the relationships between eco-emotions (such as eco-depression, eco-anxiety, and eco-anger) and PEBs, addressing the involvement of place attachment. 150 individuals (M = 35.69; SD = 15.51; 62% F) participated in this study who were requested to complete: 1) the place-attachment scale, which evaluated their level of attachment to their respective places of residence, 2) the eco-emotions scale, a comprehensive measure assessing the level of anxiety (eco-anxiety), depression (eco-depression), and anger (eco-anger) in relation to the ongoing environmental crisis, and 3) the pro-environment scale to evaluate their individual involvement in pro-environmental behaviours such as recycling, reuse, and various equivalent endeavours. Statistical analysis indicated that place attachment moderated the relationship between eco-anxiety (B = -0.16, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.286, 0.029]), eco-depression (B = - 0.24, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.368, 0.102]), and eco-anger (B = -0.21, SE = 0.06, 95% CI [-0.333, 0.079]), and PEBs. This means that the presence of place attachment weaken the impact of these negative emotions on individuals' willingness to engage in environmental actions. This study, through a new perspective that includes both the individual and the environment, highlights that place attachment can trigger the emotions in relation to PEBs.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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