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Life goals predict environmental behavior: cross-cultural and longitudinal evidence
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 00:57 authored by Wenceslao Unanue, Vivian VignolesVivian Vignoles, Helga Dittmar, Maarten VansteenkistePrioritizing intrinsic life goals (self-development, community involvement, relationships) rather than extrinsic ones (money, fame, image) is said to foster not only personal wellbeing, but also pro-social behavior such as protecting the environment. We explored concurrent and prospective links between intrinsic (versus extrinsic) life goals and self-reported environmentally responsible behavior, using correlational and longitudinal data from adult participants in a mass consumer society (UK) and a fast developing nation (Chile). In both countries, the importance of intrinsic (versus extrinsic) life goals was associated cross-sectionally with environmentally responsible behavior, even after controlling for possible effects of environmental worldviews and environmental identification. In longitudinal analyses, life goals prospectively predicted environmentally responsible behavior over a two-year period, whereas, rather unexpectedly, environmental worldviews and environmental identification did not. We conclude that focusing on intrinsic, rather than extrinsic, life goals may be important not just for individuals’ well-being, but also for the well-being of future generations.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Journal of Environmental PsychologyISSN
0272-4944Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
46Page range
10-22Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-04-19First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-10-01First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-04-19Usage metrics
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