The researchers analysed survey data from nearly 12,000 people across six countries. They discovered that three well-known explanations of environmental behaviour – personal values, worldviews, and self-construal (how we see ourselves in relation to others) – all boil down to just two underlying perspectives: a self-focus (prioritising one's own interests) and an other-focus (prioritising others and the environment).
"These findings challenge long-standing interpretations in environmental psychology," says Felix Schulz. "What looked like different explanations of pro-environmental behaviours may in fact reflect the same basic orientation toward self or others."
For the public and policymakers, fostering a culture that emphasises care for others and the planet is likely to be especially effective in building support for climate action.
The researchers note some caveats. Results focus on climate policy support rather than other environmental behaviours, and future research should develop a two-dimensional measure of self- and other-focus. Still, the findings offer a new perspective that could simplify and sharpen our understanding and encourage environmental action.
