Overcoming the Distance : Perspective Taking With Future Humans Improves Environmental Engagement

Language
en
Document Type
Article
Issue Date
2014-05-05
Issue Year
2013
Authors
Pahl, Sabine
Bauer, Judith
Editor
Abstract

The present research tested the effect of perspective taking with a human victim of environmental change on environmental engagement. Participants watched a slideshow portraying a future scenario of a young woman being affected by negative environmental changes. Taking the perspective of this individual increased a set of three behavior indicators (intentions, time spent engaging with information materials, and number of brochures collected) compared with two control groups. The present research provides evidence that perspective taking with other humans can be a powerful trigger of engagement with environmental issues. Thus, perspective taking could be used to engage people with psychologically distant issues such as climate change, for which the full consequences will only become visible at a much later point in time.

Journal Title
Environment & Behavior
Volume
45
Issue
2
Citation
Environment & Behavior 45.2 (2013): S. 155-169. 05.05.2014 < http://eab.sagepub.com/content/45/2/155.full.pdf+html>
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