Adoption of conservation practices in agriculture remains limited despite technical innovations and financial incentives. Social norms, particularly dynamic norms reflecting perceptions of behavioral change over time, may play a key role in facilitating adoption. We examine the Wisconsin Demonstration Farm Networks Program, which leverages peer-to-peer learning to promote conservation practices, namely cover cropping, conservation tillage, and low-disturbance manure application. We interviewed 45 farmers to examine the changes in descriptive, injunctive, and dynamic norms related to conservation adoption. Results indicate that the program initiated normative shifts by providing institutional signals through demonstration farmer recruitment, increasing observability of conservation practices, and sharing adoption trends. These processes supported the diffusion of conservation from innovators to early adopters and early majority farmers. Our Dynamic Norm Diffusion Framework illustrates how conservation programs can strategically leverage normative mechanisms to achieve behavioral tipping points and accelerate sustainable land management across agricultural communities.
There is great diversity in the natural environments that humans interact with. It is important to understand how this physical diversity influences the psychological experience of nature activities. In this study, we used a keyword search to identify Twitter posts in the United States ( N tweets = 391,577) discussing a nature-based experience. Using topic modeling to determine how people share their experiences, we examined how the resulting topics varied by the surrounding physical environment, which was determined using either visual features of images ( N tweets = 61,661) or geo-location data ( N tweets = 15,571). A myriad of themes emerged from the topic model, including photography, hunting, hiking, and family fun. All topics had an average positive valence and many reflected affective and social processes. The prevalence of topics was associated with geospatial and image properties. Overall, the results emphasize that the physical environment predicts the multi-faceted impacts of nature engagement on cognitive processes.
Research on public opinion and climate change is extensive, yet we lack knowledge about how concern varies across social groups and those with varied experiences with regard to multiple dimensions of impact (e.g., economics, health, recreation) of a local climate change-related issue. Utah's drying Great Salt Lake provides a unique case in which to examine this. We collected survey data with Salt Lake County residents (n = 515). Multivariable statistical model results showed differences in concerns by dimension of impact based on sociodemographic characteristics and personal experiences. Hispanic/Latinx and Pacific Islander (vs. White) residents were more concerned about animal habitats and the region sustaining life, while foreign-born (vs. US-born) residents were more concerned about quality of life impacts. Additionally, each of those groups was more concerned about loss of regional identity and recreation. Findings revealed that those most concerned are among those most vulnerable and those likely to experience climate injustices.
This study merged principles from the Diffusion of Innovation Theory with the Value-Belief-Norm Theory of Environmentalism to understand how values and knowledge together shape pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in a rural landscape. We examined how a series of behavioral antecedents varied by the timing of behavioral adoption among 617 survey respondents in Illinois, USA. We observed that biospheric, altruistic, and egoistic values, alongside environmental knowledge, predicted PEB, while knowledge mediated the value-behavior relationship. We then classified and compared subgroups of early, late, and non-adopters of sustainable practices using latent variable modeling. Findings showed that biospheric values were universally important in shaping PEB, that altruistic values decreased environmental knowledge among late adopters, and that non-adopters' environmental knowledge played a less prominent role in influencing PEB. Our results provide insight into how to encourage the uptake of sustainable practices by recognizing the heterogeneity among community residents in their values and knowledge formation that shape PEB.
This study examined the effect of a multicomponent garden use intervention-incorporating physical, social, and organizational environmental components-on garden use, daily life, and quality of life (QoL) of people living with dementia in a Dutch nursing home. Using the Maastricht Electronic Daily Life Observation Tool and QUALIDEM, outcomes were observed at baseline, 1 year (post), and 2 years (follow-up). Garden use slightly increased post-intervention but returned to baseline at follow-up. While using the new garden, participants spent less time on passive, meaningless activities and more on social interaction. Those with moderate dementia used the garden significantly more than those with severe dementia. QoL improvements were limited to social relations. In conclusion, the intervention showed some positive effects on garden use and daily life. Future multicomponent intervention research in complex nursing home environments should integrate process and outcome evaluations to better understand how interventions are developed, and implemented.
If one pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) influences subsequent behaviours, this spillover effect holds significant implications for environmental policies. This paper systematically examines the psychological mechanisms underpinning PEB spillover by testing a comprehensive set of mediators within the same empirical framework. Studies were conducted in Norway (N = 1,574) and Germany (N = 1,938), using correlational and experimental designs. The studies did not detect any significant spillover effects. However, correlational patterns of PEB were detected, revealing consistency between prior behaviours and policy support on the one hand and intentions to engage in other PEBs and supporting other policies on the other hand. Among a comprehensive set of mediators tested, environmental concern, pro-environmental self-identity, and global warming worry were identified as significant. Experimental interventions had limited effects on the initial behaviour. We recommend longitudinal studies to better capture the dynamics of behavioural change over time and preregistration protocols to address biases in research.
A growing body of research suggests that nature experiences and feeling connected to nature are positively associated with the experience of meaning in life. However, meaning in life is multifaceted, and it is unclear which facets explain this relationship. We examined this question across five studies (N = 1,864): three cross-sectional surveys, a quasi-experimental field study, and an experimental video immersion study. In Studies 1a-1c, trait nature connectedness was linked to higher meaning in life, with experiential appreciation emerging as the strongest correlate and most robust mediator. Study 2 showed that nature exposure (i.e., survey location) predicted greater meaning in life indirectly through experiential appreciation, even after controlling for other facets and positive affect. Study 3 experimentally examined indirect nature exposure (i.e., nature video), providing causal evidence for the role of all four meaning-related facets. Exploratory analyses further suggested that enhanced meaning perceptions predicted greater pro-environmental behavioral intentions.
Library and Information Science (LIS) education in Nigeria faces increasing pressure to adapt curricula to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital society. This study investigates the integration of emerging technologies into Library and Information Science (LIS) education in Nigeria. The study examines the extent of integration of emerging technologies in LIS curricula in Nigeria, identifies gaps between training and industry requirements, and proposes a framework for curriculum reform based on the findings. A multimethod design was adopted, beginning with a content analysis of curricula from six purposively selected universities across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, followed by semi-structured interviews with heads of library schools to explain the patterns observed in the curriculum analysis. Findings revealed that only 18% of the curricula incorporated emerging technologies, mostly at an introductory level, with advanced areas such as AI, data science, and cloud computing largely absent. Educators highlighted challenges, including outdated infrastructure, weak industry linkages, inadequate staff capacity, and restrictive policy frameworks. The study concludes that Nigerian LIS graduates risk under-preparedness for technology-driven information environments without deliberate reform. A framework is proposed emphasizing curriculum restructuring, pedagogical innovation, staff retraining, infrastructural investment, industry collaboration, and policy realignment. The study recommends sustained integration of advanced technology courses as core requirements, alignment with global standards, and proactive engagement with regulatory bodies to ensure LIS education in Nigeria remains relevant and globally competitive.
Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for simulating natural environments and provides health benefits for individuals with limited access to outdoor spaces. While VR natural experiences can induce relaxation and promote mental well-being, it remains unclear whether they fully replicate the restorative effects of real nature. According to attention restoration theory (ART), visual attention plays a critical role in the restorative effects of nature. Thus, in this study, we directly compared visual attention and psychophysiological responses to forest environments in two contexts, namely, onsite and VR. The findings indicate that both real and VR forests promote stress recovery. However, real forests attract greater visual attention, better enhance the appreciation of the scene, and exhibit stronger restorative potential than VR forests do. These results highlight the advantages of direct nature exposure while providing new insights into decision-making in restorative VR natural environment design.
Marine debris and litter are a global problem with human and environmental health impacts. Motivating individuals to engage in active pro-environmental behaviors (active PEB), such as picking up litter, requires messages that address salient beliefs about combining physical activity (PA) with pro-environmental action. This research draws on two national surveys of U.S. adults residing in coastal areas. In Study 1 (N = 512) higher levels of past PA, PEB, and active PEB participation were associated with a greater number of active PEB related beliefs. In Study 2 (N = 545), positively valanced belief themes were more consistently associated with future active PEB intentions, although the most promising themes varied by prior PA, PEB, and active PEB engagement. The findings can inform future multiple behavior change interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of marine debris on both people and ecosystems.
Given the inconsistent definitions of nature, we used a bottom-up protype approach (total N = 824) to solicit features of the natural environment (Study 1) and centrality ratings of those features (Study 2). Study 3 tested the prototype structure via ratings of scenarios composed of highly prototypical (vs. less prototypical) features. Over 100 features were generated, and features like wildlife, trees, and ecosystems were rated as most central, with features associated with people much less so. Results of Study 3 supported the protype structure with high (vs. low) prototypical scenarios rated higher in naturalness. We also explored individual differences in subjective nature connectedness; highly connected people generated more features and rated features as more prototypical. The nature protype provides a resource for researchers and practitioners to design or assess stimuli/spaces that fit people's views of nature, and we discuss the useful scope of this prototype (e.g., across geography and identities).
This study examined how respectful or disrespectful responses by politicians to the environmental activism of young citizens influenced those youths' willingness to continue their activities. We also explored the roles of emotions, identity labeling, and the type of activism (i.e., normative vs. non-normative). Three preregistered vignette experiments were conducted with young Czech participants aged 18 to 25 (Ns = 230, 363, and 331, respectively). Results showed that disrespectful political responses decreased intentions to engage in normative activism - but only when emotions were not considered. When emotional reactions were included, anger elicited by disrespectful responses counteracted the demotivating effect of disrespect, eliminating the reduction in activism intentions. A similar pattern emerged when politicians used a potentially negative "environmentalist" label to describe youth activists. These effects were specific to normative forms of activism; no consistent effects were observed for non-normative activism.
Significant changes to Australians' behaviours toward the natural environment are needed to mitigate a climate emergency. Yet, Australian's existing concerns for the natural environment have not translated into meaningful action. To address this, a qualitative analysis explored Australians' avoidance/approach motivations and negative and positive emotions when reporting reasons to protect the natural environment. A qualitative secondary data analysis was employed with a sample of 482 Australians aged 18 to 84 years (M = 45.55, SD= 15.76) recruited via an online survey. Utilising a content analysis methodology, results showed that participants reported avoidance motivations of loss, destruction, death and suffering. Approach motivations were also reported with anthropocentric and eco-centric drivers. Negative emotions of fear, contempt and hopelessness were identified, whilst positive emotions of compassion, gratitude, awe, beauty, and enjoyment were also conveyed. These findings illustrate the diversity of pro-environmental motivations in Australia, suggesting a multi-pronged approach may be beneficial for environmental communications.
Climate change poses extensive threats to human survival, highlighting the urgent need to promote pro-environmental engagement. We propose that economic inequality undermines pro-environmental engagement by reducing individuals' future orientation (i.e., the extent to which people attend to or prioritize future outcomes). Across three studies, we tested this prediction using cross-national secondary data (Study 1, N = 35,017), an online survey (Study 2, N = 885), and an online experiment (Study 3, N = 299). Our results consistently showed that economic inequality negatively predicted pro-environmental engagement reflected in intention and behavior measures, and that future orientation accounted for this association. Specifically, exposures to or perceptions of higher economic inequality shifted individuals' focus away from long-term outcomes, thereby reducing environmentally friendly actions. These findings highlight economic inequality as a barrier to sustainable behavior and suggest that reducing inequality or reshaping inequality perceptions may promote collective actions to protect the natural environment.
Environmental sciences aim to provide unbiased data for decision making, yet conservation management, and personal decisions often rely on perception shaped by experiences, information exchange, media exposure, and values. When monitoring data differs from people's perceptions, unintended consequences (e.g. overlooked degradation, unacknowledged conservation successes) may occur. We compare long-term monitoring data of tree and bird abundance with self-reported perceptions, revealing mismatches in 74% of the cases as well as their drivers. Phenomena like shifted baselines and change blindness were prevalent. Importantly, when environmental data reported population increases, these were often overlooked or minimized, but when species declined, the two datasets were more consistently aligned. This highlights the need to base decision-making on long-term datasets that account for the mismatches in perception and monitoring data. Our study has implications for conservation science, restoration, and land management, recommending integration of long-term monitoring data to mitigate change blindness and shifted baselines.
Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB) is often used as an umbrella term to summarize a variety of behaviors, making synthesizing research difficult. We provide a framework to systemize the landscape of PEB. The framework differentiates between consequences (e.g., mitigation, conservation, restoration), pathways (e.g., sufficiency, efficiency), types (e.g., individual behaviors), and domains (e.g., recycling). We reviewed N = 6,372 PEB indicators from 874 studies and analyzed which aspect was measured, how it was measured, and the extent to which studies utilized novel, modified, or adopted indicators. We found that most PEB indicators addressed mitigation behaviors, whereas fewer represented conservation or restoration behaviors. Most measures captured individual behaviors rather than social impact or civic behaviors, and their domain usually referred to waste and energy-related behaviors. Most studies utilized novel or modified indicators, which can hinder the cumulation of findings. We created a database to search for measures and increase reuse rates.
This study examines the association between perceived housing-based discrimination and residents' trust, social connection, and community attitudes in Seoul, South Korea. Using four waves (2016-2021) of the Seoul Public Rental Housing Panel Survey (N = 6,317), we applied individual fixed effects models to assess the within-person effects of perceived discrimination on eight neighborhood-related outcomes. Models adjusted for time-varying covariates and used Bonferroni correction and E-values to assess robustness. Discrimination was associated with lower satisfaction with public housing and reduced trust in others, as well as more negative views on social mix and greater NIMBY attitudes. No significant associations were found with social connectedness with neighbors. Gender-stratified analyses revealed stronger effects among women, particularly in trust and attitudes toward social mix in neighborhood. These findings highlight the need for anti-stigma interventions and inclusive housing policies that foster social cohesion in public housing environments.
Previous studies have tested various light-switching appeals, except for messages that explicitly focused on the energy gains or losses accompanying manual light control. To fill this research gap, we tested the effectiveness of prompts with different frames (i.e., gain vs. non-loss vs. loss vs. non-gain) of energy-saving arguments promoting turning off the lights in single-stall restrooms across two field experiments (university building: N = 786, and DIY store: N = 2,288). Results revealed that gain- and loss-framed prompts were overall effective in promoting turning off lights compared with the control condition. However, the effectiveness of a particular gain- and loss-framed prompt varied across the occupants' samples. Despite these differences, explicitly stated gain (i.e., conserving energy) or loss (i.e., wasting energy) from turning off or leaving on the lights, respectively, had the most stable influence as compared with non-loss (i.e., not wasting energy) or non-gain (i.e., not conserving energy) frames.
Trust is a critical component of teamwork, particularly in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments where collaboration directly impacts mission success and safety. This mixed-methods study examines the mechanisms of trust in ICE teams, integrating qualitative findings from Antarctic field missions with quantitative survey data from ICE personnel. Results reveal that trust is multi-dimensional, comprising cognitive and affective components, and is influenced by ability, benevolence, integrity, and identification. Psychological safety emerges as a key trust-related factor, mediating outcomes such as perceived safety, team cohesion, and well-being. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of safety and the effect of trust on emotional well-being in ICE. Our findings show the unique role of trust in ICE contexts, where prolonged isolation and extreme conditions heighten its significance. This research contributes to team trust theories and informs strategies for improving team dynamics in high-risk environments, including polar expeditions and space missions.
Green spaces have the potential to foster social capital, yet we do not fully understand what motivates people to use these spaces and how green space use leads to social benefits. Recent studies suggest that perceptions of green space are more important than just physical attributes in encouraging usage and fostering social connections. Perceptions can determine green space usage, but we do not yet know exactly how perceptions of green space relate to social capital. We conducted a series of perception studies among residents of eight public housing estates in Singapore, to demonstrate that affordances serve as a bridge between the physical characteristics of a place and the ways people perceive and use it. These affordances - reflected in experiences of vitality, enjoyment, and comfort - shape motivations for use, such as exercising, socializing, and relaxing, which in turn foster stronger social capital.
