#Fighteverycrisis: A psychological perspective on motivators of the support of mitigation measures in the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wallis, Hannah; Sieverding, Theresa; Schmidt, Karolin; Matthies, Ellen
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental psychology. Volume 84(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic -- Climate change -- Pro-environmental behavior -- Social identity -- Efficacy; Environmental psychology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101898
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4944

Abstract

Abstract: Both crises, the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic need collective mitigation support. In the context of COVID-19, the support of mitigation strategies has found its way to the forefront of debates. Our aim was to contribute empirical evidence to this debate by investigating mitigation behaviors across both crises and discussing similarities and differences. To this end, we drew on the Norm Activation Model and the concept of Social Identity to understand individuals' support of mitigation strategies in the climate crisis and their support of governmental strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus. Data were gathered within a Germany-wide survey ( N = 3092) carried out in June and July 2020. Three predictors significantly explained the support of mitigation strategies in both crises: (1) The awareness that the entire society is affected by the pandemic emerged as the strongest predictor for support of COVID-19 mitigation strategies, whereas (2) social identification with others making efforts to mitigate the climate crisis was the strongest predictor for support of climate crisis mitigation strategies. (3) Efficacy expectations that together with others one can make a substantial contribution to mitigate the respective crisis predicted support of mitigation strategies in the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis to similar proportions. The results point to the need for targeting the communication of mitigation strategies in a pandemic on raising awareness for the collective nature of the problem whereas strengthening efficacy expectations and feelings of belonging, e.g. through participation processes, could generally strengthen the support of mitigation strategies in both crises. Highlights: In both crises, measure support was linked to problem awareness, efficacy and identification. Problem awareness was strongest predictor for support in the COVID-19 pandemic. For support in climate crisis social identification was strongest predictor. Points to the need for different strategies of communication of measures. Focus on awareness in COVID-19 pandemic and on efficacy and identification in climate crisis.