Understanding the psychology X politics interaction behind environmental activism: The roles of governmental trust, density of environmental NGOs, and democracy

Publication date: Available online 26 July 2019Source: Journal of Environmental PsychologyAuthor(s): Kim-Pong TamAbstractWhen explaining engagement in environmental activism, previous psychological studies have mostly focused on motivational factors. In this investigation, considering that environmental activism is political in essence, I argue that the effect of motivations is moderated by the political context people face. Drawing upon political science theories, I hypothesize that psychological motivations (environmental concern and postmaterialist values) are more strongly associated with environmental activism engagement among individuals who trust the government less and in societies with more facilitative political opportunity structures (higher density of environmental NGOs and more democracy). With a series of multilevel analyses of data from 31 countries, I found robust support to these hypotheses. The significance of considering the psychology X politics interaction behind human responses to environmental issues is discussed.
Source: Journal of Environmental Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research