‘What if I feel it is mine?’ – The impact of psychological ownership on public participation in China's transboundary watershed eco-compensation

Abstract

Abstract Clarifying the impact of psychological ownership on public participation in transboundary eco-compensation will contribute to compensation transforming from the current government-led economic incentive mode to the normative guidance of effective public participation, which is of great significance to transboundary management of water resources. From the perspective of social psychology, this paper uses a double hurdle model, empirically analyzes the impact of psychological ownership on public participation, and explores the internal laws and driving mechanisms of behavior. Results show the willingness to participate mainly depends on the public's judgment of self-ability and their own responsibility and values, while the degree of participation depends on the judgment and grasp of self-governance ability. The more they agree that protecting the environment is the responsibility and obligation of citizens, the lower their willingness to pay. China's long-term ‘government-led environmental governance’ mode has led to the formation of a serious government dependence psychology among the public.