2019 journal article
Interactions among Locus of Control, Environmental Attitudes and Pro-Environmental Behaviour in China
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, 46(3), 234–240.
author keywords: environmental messaging; household consumption; natural resources; new environmental paradigm
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
2. Zero Hunger
(Web of Science)
4. Quality Education
(Web of Science)
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
(Web of Science)
13. Climate Action
(Web of Science)
14. Life Below Water
(Web of Science)
15. Life on Land
(Web of Science; OpenAlex)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: September 23, 2019
SummaryPromoting environmentally conscious behaviour requires an understanding of the complex cognitive mechanisms by which people decide to act environmentally. Research suggests that locus of control (LOC), or the extent to which a person feels his or her own actions can produce broader change, is an important predictor of environmental behaviour; however, little is known about how LOC interacts with other cognitive motivators. This study uses a nationwide survey from China to test whether LOC moderates the effect of environmental attitudes on behaviour. Respondents with external LOC (i.e., those who believe personal actions cannot produce change) reported lower pro-environmental behaviour than those with internal LOC (i.e., those who believe personal actions can produce change). In addition, the influence of environmental attitudes on pro-environmental behaviour was stronger among respondents with external LOC than those with internal LOC. These results support efforts to promote conservation in China by promoting internal LOC and add a novel suggestion that attitude-based messaging is more efficacious among audiences with external LOC.