Emotions and climate change: The role of emotion regulation in climate action

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/e2jft
• Publication Date: 2024-01-27T05:00:38Z
• Authors: Hayleigh Armstrong; Patti C. Parker; Catherine Nicole ...
• Keywords: Emotion; Social and Behavioral Sciences

Although there is strong evidence for the role of emotion in climate-mitigating behaviours (Brosch, 2021), little known about regulation climate action (Panno et al., 2015). Our studies (a correlational study and an experiment, conducted 2022) investigated effect on emotional responses to change likelihood taking actions. In Study 1, 151 participants from US Canada read detrimental effects before recording their responses, strategies used response information, actions (pro-environmental civic engagement environmental actions). Emotion was a significant predictor even when controlling demographic variables. 2, 245 watched video negative consequences change, rated emotions, were randomly assigned distraction, worrying, or positive reappraisal video. Next, they given option sign petition donate money organization, rating intentions engage Distraction reduced increased hope. The mixed. Exploratory mediation analyses indicated that worrying action, via emotion. Further experimental research will be important informing communications protect mental health while motivating action.