Showing papers in "Environment and Behavior in 2007"
TL;DR: In this paper, three waste management behaviors (waste reduction, reuse, and recycling) were examined with the use of a conceptual framework developed by the author and tested in a self-report questionnaire of 673 residents of Exeter, UK.
Abstract: Three waste management behaviors (waste reduction, reuse, and recycling) were examined with the use of a conceptual framework developed by the author. It was posited that environmental values, situational characteristics, and psychological factors all play a significant role in the prediction of waste management behavior, within the context of a core intention-behavior relationship. The framework was tested in a self-report questionnaire of 673 residents of Exeter, UK. It was found that the predictors of reduction, reuse, and recycling behavior differed significantly, with reduction and reuse being predicted by underlying environmental values, knowledge, and concern-based variables. Recycling behavior was, in contrast, characterized as highly normative behavior. The use of the approach taken for investigating other environmental behaviors is examined.
739 citations
TL;DR: This article showed that people underestimate the number of food-related decisions they make by an average of more than 221 decisions and that they are either unaware of how their environment influences these decisions or unwilling to acknowledge it.
Abstract: How aware are people of food-related decisions they make and how the environment influences these decisions? Study 1 shows that 139 people underestimated the number of food-related decisions they made—by an average of more than 221 decisions. Study 2 examined 192 people who overserved and overate 31% more food as a result of having been given an exaggerated environmental cue (such as a large bowl). Of those studied, 21% denied having eaten more, 75% attributed it to other reasons (such as hunger), and only 4% attributed it to the cue. These studies underscore two key points: First, we are aware of only a fraction of the food decisions we make. Second, we are either unaware of how our environment influences these decisions or we are unwilling to acknowledge it.
574 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on travel behavior of car users and public transport users, and study the affective experiences of these two types of users, while most research on travel behaviour has been limited to utilitarian appraisals.
Abstract: To date, most research on travel behavior has been limited to studying utilitarian appraisals of car users and users of public transport. Studies on affective experiences are usually limited to com...
426 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors hypothesize that environmental values derive from a sense of connectivity with nature, which describes a perception of sameness between the self, others, and the natural world.
Abstract: The authors hypothesize that environmental values derive from a sense of connectivity with nature. Connectivity describes a perception of sameness between the self, others, and the natural world. T...
423 citations
TL;DR: The differences in public support for environmental protection among individuals from 50 nations were investigated by as mentioned in this paper, who found that support was determined by the willingness of individuals to make financial sacrif...
Abstract: The differences in public support for environmental protection among individuals from 50 nations were investigated. Support was determined by the willingness of individuals to make financial sacrif...
282 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the relationship between thermal comfort and outdoor activity in a park and a square in a satellite city northeast of Tokyo through structured interviews, observations, and comprehensive micrometeorological measurements.
Abstract: Subjective thermal comfort and outdoor activity in a park and a square in a satellite city northeast of Tokyo were investigated through structured interviews, observations, and comprehensive micrometeorological measurements. Results showed that the park was on an average 1.1°C cooler than the square. The relatively warmer thermal conditions in the square in comparison to the park resulted in a heat load of greater intensity for humans in the square. In general, there was a low relation between the thermal environment and the use of the two places in terms of total attendance. However, the use of the park was influenced more by the thermal conditions than by the use of the square, which can mainly be attributed to the different functions of the two places. Finally, examples of the differences between the use of the sun, the attitudes toward it, and outdoor exposure in Japan and Sweden are highlighted and discussed.
282 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors pointed out the importance of empathy in improving attitudes toward stigmatized groups and toward the environment, and argued that environmental beha- ture can be improved through empathy.
Abstract: Previous studies have pointed out the importance of empathy in improving attitudes toward stigmatized groups and toward the environment. In the present article, it is argued that environmental beha...
244 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two reliable and valid instruments to assess first and second grade children's environmental attitudes and behaviors are presented, based on a series of games derived primarily from video games.
Abstract: Two reliable and valid instruments to assess first- and second-grade children's (N = 100, M = 6.8 years) environmental attitudes and behaviors are presented. A series of games derived primarily fro...
216 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how built environments at many scales influence the type and amount of food consumed and how food choices are made. But they focus on macro-scale food systems and food landscapes influence food choices.
Abstract: Built environments at many scales influence the type and amount of food consumed. Macroscale food systems and food landscapes influence food choices, and microscale rooms, furniture, containers, an...
211 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a 2 (gender) × 3 (route walkability: low- mixed-, or high-walkability features) design was used to examine guided walks near a light rail stop in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, and found that walkable route segments had more pleasant social and/or environmental atmosphere and better traffic safety.
Abstract: Guided walks near a light rail stop in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, were examined using a 2 (gender) × 3 (route walkability: low- mixed-, or highwalkability features) design. Trained raters confirmed that more walkable segments had more traffic, environmental, and social safety; pleasing aesthetics; natural features; pedestrian amenities; and land use diversity (using the Irvine-Minnesota physical environment audit) and a superior social milieu rating. According to tape-recorded open-ended descriptions, university student participants experienced walkable route segments as noticeably safer, with a more positive social environment, fewer social and physical incivilities, and more attractive natural and built environment features. According to closed-ended scales, walkable route segments had more pleasant social and/or environmental atmosphere and better traffic safety. Few gender differences were found. Results highlight the importance of understanding subjective experiences of walkability and suggest that these experiences should be an additional focus of urban design.
196 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address the need for systematic theory comparison and development in environmentally significant behavior (ESB) research using logistic regression (N = 398), models based on Schwart...
Abstract: This article addresses the need for systematic theory comparison and development in environmentally significant behavior (ESB) research. Using logistic regression (N = 398), models based on Schwart...
TL;DR: The authors examined college students' psycho-physiological responses to the six major terrestrial biomes (desert, tundra, grassland, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, and tropical forest).
Abstract: This study examined 274 college students' psycho-physiological responses to the six major terrestrial biomes (desert, tundra, grassland, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, and tropical forest), w...
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional study assessed differences between car and train commuters in level of physical activity, and found that train commuters walk an average of 30% more steps per day, reported having walked for a period of 10 minutes or more while traveling significantly more often, and were 4 times more likely to walk 10,000 feet per day than car commuters.
Abstract: Walking as part of the commute has been suggested as a source of healthful moderate activity, although there has been little empirical study to verify this supposition or determine whether one mode is superior to others. This cross-sectional study assessed differences between car and train commuters in level of physical activity. One hundred eleven train and car commuters were asked to wear a pedometer for one week of commuting on their regular route plus complete a standardized self-report physical activity index. Train commuters walked an average of 30% more steps per day, reported having walked for a period of 10 minutes or more while traveling significantly more often, and were 4 times more likely to walk 10,000 steps per day than car commuters. Transportation mode can significantly affect the amount of physical activity commuters accumulate during the course of a typical work day without planned or coordinated exercise programs.
TL;DR: Based on spatial analysis, network analysis, self-assessment questionnaires, field discussions and accounting documents, the authors discuss how workplace design and spatial layout support product design and layout design.
Abstract: Based on spatial analysis, network analysis, self-assessment questionnaires, field discussions and accounting documents, the authors discuss how workplace design and spatial layout support producti...
TL;DR: In this article, survey responses regarding Alabama urban residents' attitudes toward urban trees and the provision and maintenance of urban forest by federal, state, and local governmen were analyzed and compared.
Abstract: In this article, we analyze survey responses regarding Alabama urban residents' attitudes toward urban trees and the provision and maintenance of urban forest by federal, state, and local governmen...
TL;DR: Results from 240 students (120 each from Brazil and Norway) on the 15-item revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) show higher endorsement of the ecological paradigm from the Brazilians; suggestions...
Abstract: Results from 240 students (120 each from Brazil and Norway) on the 15-item revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) show higher endorsement of the ecological paradigm from the Brazilians; suggestions ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors adopt the notion that the environment constitutes the space outside the person and therefore broaden the common conceptualization of the environment to encompass a full spectrum from small-scale design elements to large-scale community infrastructure.
Abstract: This article presents a framework for considering the relevance of the physical environment to obesity. The authors adopt the notion that the “environment” constitutes the space outside the person and therefore broaden the common conceptualization of the “environment” to encompass a full spectrum from small-scale design elements to large-scale community infrastructure. An energy balance approach is also adopted. The energy balance perspective recognizes the equilibrium of food consumption and energy expenditure, rather than focusing solely on one or the other side of the equation. The authors consider how environmental characteristics present either barriers (that hinder), or supports (that promote) healthy habits. Thus, they describe a range of obesity-related environmental themes that provide opportunities for innovative collaborative research between environmental psychologists and colleagues in fields ranging from apparel design to landscape architecture. Last, conceptual and methodological considerat...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relationship between physical environmental characteristics of path segments and their use for walking for recreation or instrumental reasons by 114 active residents on three retirement community campuses.
Abstract: There is little evidence about how path-design characteristics at site and building scale may be related to where active older adults choose to walk. This article describes the findings from an empirical study examining the relationship between physical environmental characteristics of path segments and their use for walking for recreation or instrumental reasons by 114 active residents on three retirement community campuses. The study uses a combination of methods—resident questionnaires, path assessment, and morphological analysis of building and campus plans. Path use for instrumental walking was related to path segments being well-connected in the path network and having specific destinations along them. Path segments that were likely to be selected for recreational walking at the three case study sites were longer, were well connected, did not have steps, and had attractive views of campus.
TL;DR: In this article, a study of 70 within-forest settings, factor analysis of preference ratings revealed two setting categories corresponding to high- and low-visual-access settings, and they concluded that when properly understood, mystery tends to be positively related to preference.
Abstract: Recent studies have found negative correlations between mystery and preference for forest settings. Our reanalysis of earlier data suggested that those findings may have stemmed from a failure to examine setting categories within the forest domain. In the current study of 70 within-forest settings, factor analysis of preference ratings revealed two setting categories corresponding to high- and low-visual-access settings. In the high-access category, preference was positively correlated with mystery but uncorrelated with visual access. In the low-access category, preference was uncorrelated with mystery but positively correlated with visual access. We also examined an expanded definition of mystery that made explicit the distinction between mystery and surprise. The expanded definition produced results identical to the standard definition in the high-access category, but in the low-access category, expanded mystery was positively correlated with preference. We conclude that when properly understood, mystery tends to be positively related to preference.
TL;DR: The authors developed a rating scale for preschool classrooms to assess the physical environment's role in children's development of cognitive and social competency, and tested in 98 classrooms, and children were assessed on two measures of competency in a subsample of these classrooms.
Abstract: A rating scale is developed for preschool classrooms to assess the physical environment’s role in children’s development of cognitive and social competency. The scale is tested in 98 classrooms, and children are assessed on two measures of competency in a subsample of these classrooms. Findings indicate that the physical environment is related to measures of competency, one of which is a self-perception measure. Younger children’s competency, those in the 3-year-olds’ classrooms as opposed to the 4-year-olds’ classrooms, is most affected by the physical environment. Assessment of quality child care must include thorough assessment of the physical environment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of individualistic attitudinal factors with more community-level variables on recycling behavior in the context of Belfast, Northern Ireland was compared, and the results suggested that socioeconomic status of area was the strongest predictor of recycling participation, with recycling attitudes and sense of community also having some affect, and general environmental concern being found to have no effect.
Abstract: This study compared the influence of individualistic attitudinal factors with more community-level (or ecological) variables on recycling behavior in the context of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Data obtained from a postal questionnaire (n = 765) were matched with historical recycling participation behavior data collected by the local government authority to examine the effect of general environmental concern, attitudes toward recycling, sense of community, and socioeconomic status of neighborhood on levels of participation in a recently introduced curbside collection program. The influence of cultural differences between Catholic and Protestant communities in Belfast is also considered. Our results suggested that socioeconomic status of area was the strongest predictor of recycling participation, with recycling attitudes and sense of community also having some affect, and general environmental concern being found to have no effect. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for theories of proenvironmental behavior and their application to the promotion of recycling participation within communities.
TL;DR: The authors examined the impact of visual images and perspective taking on concern for environmental problems and found that the empathic dimension of personal distress moderated the relationship between kind of image and kind of perspective on both biospheric and egoistic environmental concerns.
Abstract: This article examines the impact of visual images and perspective taking on concern for environmental problems. Participants in the experiment were 193 university students. Results replicated earlier results showing that perspective taking, combined with images of animals harmed by nature, caused an increase in biospheric environmental concerns. In addition, results showed that the empathic dimension of personal distress moderated the relationship between kind of image and kind of perspective on both biospheric and egoistic environmental concerns. Results about the lack of other moderating effects are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the degree of territoriality based on gender and seat preferences in different types of classroom arrangements was studied, including rows of tablet-arm chairs and rows of armchairs.
Abstract: Students' degree of territoriality based on gender and seat preferences in different types of classroom arrangements was studied. The types of classroom arrangements included rows of tablet-arm cha...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined organizational commitment and culture to predict workspace personalization and found that highly committed employees personalize more than do less-committed employees and that culture has an indirect effect on personalization.
Abstract: Approximately 70% to 90% of American workers personalize their workspaces. Personalization has many benefits for employees (e.g., enhanced job satisfaction and well-being) and organizations (e.g., improved morale and reduced turnover). Personalization is also related to organizational issues such as employee status, workspace quality, and policies. This study extended the research by examining organizational commitment and culture. It was predicted that highly committed employees personalize more than do less-committed employees and that culture has an indirect effect on personalization. Thus, 172 office employees from 19 businesses were surveyed. Path analyses revealed that employee commitment was only indirectly related to personalization through status. As expected, organizational culture had an indirect effect on personalization, via personalization policies or norms and employee status. Thus, this research suggests for the first time that the primary predictors of workspace personalization are organi...
TL;DR: In this article, a set of scales that measure coping with global environmental problems (e.g., climate change) were developed: problem solving, expressive coping, denial of guilt, relativization, wishful thinking, self-protection, pleasure, and resignation.
Abstract: How do people cope with global environmental problems? This article reports on the development and initial validation of a set of scales that measure coping with global environmental problems (e.g., climate change). Lazarus' coping approach formed the theoretical basis for the development of the scales. Altogether, eight scales were developed: problem solving, expressive coping, denial of guilt, relativization, wishful thinking, self-protection, pleasure, and resignation. In three studies ( N = 265; 275; 225) the scales and the scale structure were replicated (Cronbach's α: .63 to .90). A two-dimensional metastructure of the scales was supported by the data (problem-focused coping vs. deproblematization-focused coping). Furthermore, correlations (coping with stress and proenvironmental behavior) and hypothesized group differences in coping found empirical support. Thus, the scales can be used for research projects as well as for the preparation and evaluation of interventions to alleviate environmental st...
TL;DR: An overview of the literature on neighborhood evaluation is presented, followed by a description of the methodology, including a brief overview of GIS capabilities and how GIS was used to elicit responses in a survey of neighborhood residents, and some of the main findings of the evaluative method are identified.
Abstract: This article presents a new approach to the investigation of resident views of neighborhood using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS, an interactive mapping and analysis tool, allows multiple layers of information about a given place to be represented simultaneously, thus exposing the interactions among layers, and allows the conception of neighborhood to be represented in greater complexity. The results of a study of the neighborhood evaluations of 18 respondents in Urbana, Illinois, in which GIS was used to facilitate neighborhood evaluation, are described and analyzed. The article first presents an overview of the literature on neighborhood evaluation, followed by a description of the methodology, including a brief overview of GIS capabilities and how GIS was used to elicit responses in a survey of neighborhood residents. A final section summarizes the results of the survey and identifies some of the main findings of the evaluative method.
TL;DR: The hypothesis that those consuming alcohol with a specific reason to celebrate reach higher levels of intoxication is supported, as measured using handheld breathalyzers on Halloween and St. Patrick's Day.
Abstract: Two field studies measured college students' actual intoxication levels using handheld breathalyzers on Halloween and St. Patrick's Day and compared these celebration days to typical nights surrounding these events. In addition, across all nights of Study 2, participants were asked if they were celebrating any occasion or event that night, and those reporting a celebration motive were compared to those with no such motive. The combined sample was 70% men (n = 498), and 89.9% (n = 639) were students at the local university. Across both years of the study, those reporting a celebration motive reached significantly higher levels of intoxication (mean blood alcohol concentration = .096, n = 413) than those not celebrating (mean blood alcohol concentration = .074, n = 298, p < .05). These results support the hypothesis that those consuming alcohol with a specific reason to celebrate reach higher levels of intoxication.
TL;DR: This article conducted a survey to examine psychological and economic factors affecting the homeownership-tenancy choice and found disturbing evidence according to which there exists a fundamental flawed reasoning in the common judgment of the financial superiority of ownership over tenancy.
Abstract: The author conducted a survey to examine psychological and economic factors affecting the homeownership–tenancy choice. Among the many results, the author found disturbing evidence according to which there exists a fundamental flawed reasoning in the common judgment of the financial superiority of ownership over tenancy. Most important, however, the author finds that although psychological and economic factors involved in the tenure decision are highly correlated, the psychological factors are found to be more statistically significant in explaining the realized tenure mode. This, in turn, may suggest that psychological effects might act as the underlying forces for determining the apparent economic tenure decision.
TL;DR: In this paper, the willingness for continued commitment (WCC) is a predictor for manifest action, situated within the theory of continued social commitment and based on a longitudinal study of commitment.
Abstract: This article validates that the willingness for continued commitment (WCC) is a predictor for manifest action, situated within the theory of continued social commitment and based on a longitudinal ...
TL;DR: This article examined how the new place type of assisted living is represented in terms of its visual and verbal attributes and in comparison with the well-established schemata of home and nursing homes.
Abstract: This study examines how the new place type of assisted living is represented in terms of its visual and verbal attributes and in comparison with the well-established schemata of home and nursing homes. Ninety-eight respondents (with a mean age of 62 years) are surveyed. Results indicate that home and nursing home are conceived in opposite terms, whereas assisted living is represented in between but with more homelike than institution-like attributes, except for its visual representation, which seems to involve rather institution-like exteriors and undifferentiated interiors. Results are discussed with regard to basic attributes of assisted living and possible differences between schemata of newly developing and well-established place types.