Investigating self-affirmation, self-efficacy and response-efficacy in relation to pro-environmental behavior

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2013-06-24

Department

Towson University. Department of Psychology

Program

Citation of Original Publication

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There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.

Subjects

Abstract

This study examined the effect of self-affirmation on self-efficacy and response-efficacy in relation to pro-environmental behavior. Self-affirmation was manipulated by having participants rank important values and write a paragraph about the value they ranked as most important. Outcome measures were self-reported intentions to engage in pro-environmental behavior, levels of self-efficacy, response efficacy and whether or not participants signed an environmental pledge or volunteered to help with an earth day event. Results indicated no significant main effects of self-affirmation on any of these dependent measures. However, results do indicate significant correlations between self-efficacy, response-efficacy and pro-environmental outcome measures. Participants with higher levels of self-efficacy and response-efficacy were more likely to engage in pro-environmental behavior and reported greater future intentions to engage in pro-environmental behavior.