From past to present (for a better future)

The moderating role of cognitive mindset on spillover effects in environmental behaviors

Bibliographic Data

ID21628239
AuthorsFederica Spaccatini (0000-0001-7472-9089, University of Milano-Bicocca, corresponding author), Paolo Riva (0000-0002-9855-994X, University of Milano-Bicocca), Juliette Richetin (0000-0002-9175-5892, University of Milano-Bicocca), Egle Porcelli (0000-0002-6227-0757, University of Milano-Bicocca), Luca Pancani (0000-0002-7834-3826, University of Milano-Bicocca), Roberta Capellini (0000-0002-6853-0687, University of Milano-Bicocca), Simona Sacchi (0000-0003-0028-7462, University of Milano-Bicocca)
Year2023
Volume42
Issue18
Pages15858-15873
Publication date2023-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCurrent Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1046-1310 • E-ISSN: 1936-4733
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s12144-022-02917-2
OpenAlexW4214701485
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited65

Research literature about the environmental spillover effect produced mixed results, revealing that an initial pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is likely to promote either other PEBs (i.e., positive spillover) or pro-environmental inactions and harming behaviors (i.e., negative spillover). Such inconsistency suggests a possible crucial role of moderating variables. In two experimental studies (N Study 1 = 141, N Study 2 = 124), we investigated whether the recall of past environmental behavior (water-saving vs. water-wasting) affects future intention to perform PEBs (Study 1) and actual PEBs (Study 2), depending on participants’ cognitive mindset (manipulated in Study 1 and measured in Study 2). Results showed that the cognitive mindset is a significant moderator of spillover effects. Compared to a holistic one, an analytical mindset is more likely to result in a greater willingness to engage in future PEBs (Study 1) and actual PEB (Study 2) when past PEB is salient. The main contributions of the studies, limitations and possible future research directions are discussed

Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Economics · Mindset · Moderation · Recall · Spillover effect · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Psychology · Social Psychology

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