arrow
Return

Comparative optimism for environmental risks

delete2005-03-01
delete93
PRE
AI
S
Sabine Pahl
P
Peter R. Harris
T
Todd, HA
D
D. R. Rutter
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvp.2004.12.004delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The present research tested whether people display comparative optimism for environmental risks and the link between comparative optimism and pro-environmental activity. Study I found comparative optimism for water pollution, air pollution and nuclear energy in normal conditions, but not when participants were asked to think about pollution arising from a hypothetical accident. In Study 2, both environmental activists and nonactivists displayed comparative optimism for a list of 22 environmental risks. However, comparative optimism was not associated with self-reported pro-environmental behaviour. Instead, absolute perceived risk, ecological attitude and social value orientation were associated with behaviour. Furthermore, when controlling for group membership, the effect of absolute risk disappeared. These findings are used to address ways in which pro-environmental behaviour might be encouraged. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
APPRAISAL INVENTORY EAI
PERCEIVED VULNERABILITY
UNREALISTIC OPTIMISM
SELF
BIAS
PERCEPTIONS

Journal

Journal of Environmental Psychology cover
Journal of Environmental Psychology
IF:
7
Papers:
2.9K
Citations:
2.1W

Organization

No organization information available