The role of gratitude in motivating intergenerational environmental stewardship. (December 2020) - Syropoulos, Stylianos
Abstract: Many of the most pressing environmental challenges we face—from climate change to habitat and species loss—require present generations of decision-makers to act pro-socially in the best interests of future generations. One factor known to inhibit intergenerational altruism is the absence of direct reciprocal exchange between generations. Research has suggested, however, that present decision-makers can be induced to engage in intergenerational reciprocity (Wade-Benzoni, 2002). In accordance with recent studies (e.g., Watkins & Goodwin, 2019), our current investigation provides additional evidence for the role of gratitude as a powerful mechanism underlying such intergenerational decision-making. Across seven studies, we consistently show that individual differences in gratitude uniquely predict increased perceptions of responsibility for future generations. A sense of responsibility toward future generations in turn predicts: increased climate change beliefs and concern (Studies 2 A and 2 B), increased pro-environmental beliefs (Study 3 A) and environmental intentions (Study 3 B), and increased support for environmental policies (Study 4). Indirect effect tests and structural equation models support these findings. Future interventions can harness the prosocial moral emotion of gratitude to combat the temporal discount and promote intergenerational environmental decision making. Highlights: Having a grateful disposition is associated with increased perceived obligation towards future generations. Expressing indebtedness in one's life does not relate to increased perceived responsibility towards future generation. Increasing perceived obligation towards future others could increase intergenerational proenvironmental attitudes.