Antecedents of environmental values and pro-environmental behavior intentions: A self-determination theory approach

Abstract

There is undeniable scientific evidence for anthropogenic (i.e., human-caused) environmental degradation. However, there is no leading theory in environmental psychology that explains how human behavior contributes to such degradation. Accordingly, the present research sought to apply the framework of self-determination theory to examine antecedents of environmental values and pro-environmental behavior intentions. In two cross-sectional studies and one longitudinal study (Ns = 293, 187, and 275, respectively), a conceptual model was tested in which there are indirect effects of intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations on pro-environmental behavior intentions through ecocentric and anthropocentric values. In general, this conceptual model was supported, although the findings suggested that anthropocentric (relative to ecocentric) values offer a more robust explanation of the association between aspirations and pro-environmental behavior intentions. The discussion focuses on the theoretical and practical implications of this research, especially regarding the importance of framing governmental policies and educational programs around intrinsic (rather than extrinsic) aspirations.