Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

6-2020

Abstract

This study extended the norm activation model in the context of litter reduction to explain self-managing (e.g., avoiding littering) and other-managing (e.g., picking up litter) behaviors. Although those kinds of behaviors are conceptually distinct, prior research has not explained differences in their prediction. This study addresses that gap by considering the roles of community attachment and anticipated negative emotion in other-managing behavior. The addition of those predictors creates a second explanatory pathway in the norm activation model. Results showed awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, and community attachment predicted personal norm (R2 = 0.54), which predicted self-managing behavior (R2 = 0.45). Awareness of consequences, community attachment, and personal norm predicted anticipated negative emotion (R2 = 0.40), which predicted other-managing behavior (R2 = 0.06). Self- and other-managing behaviors were moderately correlated (r = 0.42). These results show distinct pathways to the two different kinds of behaviors. They emphasize the importance of instilling in individuals not only a personal norm, but a sense of belonging in their community. The discussion highlights avenues for future research, proposing further model extension to explain civic engagement as a subset of other-managing behavior.

Keywords

Behavioral intention, Community attachment, Litter reduction, Negative emotion, Norm activation

Discipline

Asian Studies | Nature and Society Relations | Place and Environment

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Publication

Journal of Environmental Psychology

Volume

69

First Page

1

Last Page

12

ISSN

0272-4944

Identifier

10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101439

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101439

Download

Share

COinS