Skip to main content

Comparative optimism for environmental risks

Pahl, Sabine, Harris, P.R., Todd, Helen A., Rutter, Derek R. (2005) Comparative optimism for environmental risks. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 25 (1). pp. 1-11. ISSN 0272-4944. (doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2004.12.004) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:4448)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2004.12.004

Abstract

The present research tested whether people display comparative optimism for environmental risks and the link between comparative optimism and pro-environmental activity. Study 1 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.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2004.12.004
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: C.A. Simms
Date Deposited: 04 Sep 2008 14:07 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:42 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/4448 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Rutter, Derek R..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.