Getting warmer: the optimal distance for motivating climate change mitigation

This work compared three competing models for the effect of psychological distance on climate change limiting behaviors. The Proximal Model suggested that reducing psychological distance could be beneficial for motivating pro-environmental actions. The Distal Model supported the notion that increasing distance from climate change could motivate action. And the Optimal Distance Model suggested the greatest amount of action should occur at a moderate distance. A manipulation of the temporal distance of climate change failed to produce effects on attitudes, intentions, or behaviors. However, examination of individual difference measures of distance provided support for the Proximal Model whereas decreasing the psychological distance between the self and climate change increased pro-environmental intentions. Further, perceiving climate change as near was related to increased concern, efficacy, and responsibility. The current work also establishes concern, efficacy, and responsibility as mediators between psychological distance and pro-environmental intentions. Theoretical implications and directions for future research as discussed.M.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Kristina Howansk