Background
In our current time it is important to not only study the wellbeing of individuals, but also the overall wellbeing of the planet. In this way, Positive Psychology can contribute to Environmental Psychology’s study of Pro-Environmental Behaviours (PEBs) – the frugal, equitable and altruistic everyday behaviours that promote the sustainability of natural resources. Most research on PEBs has explored the negative motivational states that drive environmental concern, but little work has been done on the positive factors that may underlie pro-ecological action.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
The research aimed to explore the relationships between character strengths, PEBs, mindfulness and wellbeing.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
277 individuals (230 female, 46 male, 1 undisclosed) volunteered to participate, with a mean age of 34.18 (SD = 17.06). Participants were staff and students recruited from the University of Lincoln, as well as members of the general population recruited via social media and individuals involved in environmental organisations contacted via email.
Design
This presentation presents a structural equation model analysis of the relationships between character strengths (VIA Inventory of Strengths Revised; McGrath, 2017), engagement in PEBs (Pro-Environmental Behaviours Index; Melo, Ge, Craig, Brewer, & Thronicker, 2018), mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale; Brown & Ryan, 2003) and subjective wellbeing (PERMA Profiler; Butler & Kern, 2016).
Results
The strengths of curiosity and judgement significantly predicted PEBs and mediated the relationship between PEBs and mindfulness. Wellbeing was also positively related to curiosity, judgement, mindfulness and PEBs.
Scientific Contribution
The findings illustrate the positive drivers and benefits of taking pro-environmental action. Moreover, the findings highlight the practical potential for strengths- and mindfulness-based interventions to improve engagement in sustainable lifestyles and, in turn, improve the wellbeing of individuals and the planet. Crucially, the findings demonstrate the role Positive Psychology can play in tackling urgent global issues, including Climate Change.