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ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY WITH A SAMPLE OF BRAZILIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS1
MARÍA AMÉRIGO 2
JUAN A. GARCÍA 3
PEDRO L. CÔRTES 4
2. PhD in Psychology. Faculty of Humanities of Toledo. Department of Psychology. University of Castilla-La Mancha. Spain. E-mail: [email protected]
3. PhD in Business Strategy and Marketing. Faculty of Social Sciences of Talavera de la Reina. Department of Business Administration. University of Castilla-La Mancha. Spain. E-mail: [email protected]
4. Post-Doctorate in Environmental Science. School of Communications and Arts. Department of Information and Culture. University of Sao Paulo. Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Models based on a multidimensional structure of environmental attitudes are more appropriate than one-dimensional or dichotomic approaches when assessing the complex relationships people have with the natural environment. This work explores a model of environmental concern composed of four attitudinal dimensions (apathy, anthropocentrism, connectivity and emotional affinity), analyzing their relationships with pro-environmental behaviors. The sample consisted of 250 students from a university that represents the most popular strata of the population, being people more susceptible to financial problems and more easily affected by adverse economic situations. The results obtained with Partial Least Square (PLS) show the validity and reliability of the proposed model, and reveal that this group believes it is possible to reconcile economic growth with environmental preservation. The results show, in addition, which strategies can be worked to increase environmental awareness related to energy saving, waste management and green consumption.
Key-words : Environmental apathy; anthropocentrism; connectedness; emotional affinity; ecological behavior
Introduction
A review of the literature on environmental attitudes (for further details on the topic, see GIFFORD & SUSSMAN, 2012) suggests that most studies have addressed environmental concern from either a one-dimensional approach - the Environmental Concern Scale (WEIGEL & WEIGEL, 1978) or the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) (DUNLAP, VAN LIERE, MERTIG, & JONES, 2000) - or from a two-fold perspective with opposing dimensions - like, for instance, Ecocentrism and Anthropocentrism (THOMPSON & BARTON, 1994) or Preservation and Utilization (MILFONT & DUCKITT, 2004) -that have monopolized environmental discourse since its beginnings.
Cross-cultural studies and the environmental crisis’ evolution are, however, bringing new approaches to light. These suggest that environmental issues are represented in contemporary society through multiple realities that go beyond a dual or conflicting conceptualization...