Potential Contributions of Behavior Analysis to Research on Pro-environmental Behavior

Abstract

Large parts of contemporary research on pro-environmental behavior focus on mechanistic explanations and mental constructs. Exclusive reliance on this approach may hinder the search for novel solutions to conceptual problems, more powerful methods, and innovative behavior change interventions. Theoretical diversity, on the other hand, can render a field adaptive in its responses to crises and impasses. Against this background, we describe the complementary approach of behavior analysis and its potential contributions to problems of contemporary research on pro-environmental behavior. Behavior analysis (1) provides a consistent account of phenomena that are difficult to reconcile with the mechanistic perspective, (2) redirects the spotlight to context, (3) provides a framework and methodology for assessing behavior with actual environmental impact, and (4) could inspire the development of new intervention techniques. Based on these contributions, we conclude that behavior analysis could substantially enrich research on pro-environmental behavior.

Realizing the full potential of behavioural science for climate change mitigation

“…For example, people's intentions in hypothetical scenarios appear to correspond only weakly to their behavior in situations of actual climate relevance 85 . Intentional responses to self-report questions may be of scientific interest in themselves 86 , but self-reports are too often assumed to represent the actual behavioral frequency or climate impact 87 .…”

Beyond self-reports: A call for more behavior in environmental psychology

“…Numerous additional examples of measuring characteristics of environmentally relevant behaviors can be found in the applied behavior analysis literature (Gelino et al, 2021;Wille & Lange, 2022) and we believe that more weight should be given to such observational approaches to reduce bias in environmental psychology research.…”

Climate Change and Six Americas: What Can Behavior Analysts Do?

“…Much of the current climate change message is anxiety-provoking or what climate change communicators call "apocalypse fatigue" (Nordhaus & Shellenberger, 2009). Behavior analysis has much to offer climate change science (Wille & Lange, 2022). Behavior analysis can offer a guiding light here, and dissemination will be a critical component.…”