Environmental concern: Conceptual definitions, measurement methods, and research findings

A serious threat to human beings and their environment is the continuous an d accelerating overuse and destruction of natural resources. Bearing this i n mind, it is unfortunate that efforts to permanently change people's envir onmentally destructive behaviour through interventions has typically not be en met with success. A necessary condition may be an increase in environmen tal concern and knowledge about the effects and consequences of the ongoing environmental deterioration for future generations. Studies are reviewed t hat have attempted to show (1) correlations between determinants, such as s ocio-demographic and/or psychological factors, and environmental concern, a nd (2) an impact of environmental concern on environmentally responsible be haviour. In general, correlations with background factors are weak. Factors affecting behaviour appear to be knowledge, internal locus of control (pos itive control beliefs), personal responsibility, and perceived threats to p ersonal health. The need for further research that attempts to specify the process leading to environmentally responsible behaviour is highlighted. A new framework is presented which integrates some of the previous research. (C) 1999 Academic Press.