Beyond private-sphere pro-environmental action: Explaining shared mobility using the Theory of Planned Behavior and solidarity-oriented variables

Abstract

Shared mobility behaviors potentially decrease negative environmental effects of the transport sector. Models such as the Theory of Planned Behavior have been widely used to explain primarily individual private-sphere pro-environmental behaviors (PEB). However, as shared mobility behaviors are not completely limited to the private-sphere, but require social collaboration, it is an open question if the TPB-variables are sufficient in explaining shared mobility behaviors. Solidarity-focused variables that put a stronger focus on social interactions may complement the TPB-variables meaningfully. In two university samples (Study 1: N = 261, Study 2: N = 1411), we tested associations between the TPB-variables and shared mobility behavioral intention using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Both studies confirmed attitude and social norms as significant predictors. However, perceived behavioral control was not related to shared mobility intention. Study 2 additionally investigated whether social responsibility, collective response efficacy and social identity are related to shared mobility. Results showed that social responsibility as well as collective response efficacy positively predicted shared mobility intention. In Logistic regressions, the psychological variables showed no consistent connections to self-reported shared mobility behavior. We discuss the scope of solidarity-oriented variables to complementarily explain PEB beyond the private-sphere that need social collaboration.