Alkhatib, Khaled (2025) Bridging the Value-Action Gap: The Role of Cognitive Reinforcement in Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Climate change presents one of the most pressing global challenges, yet a persistent value-action gap remains—many individuals express strong environmental values but fail to engage in consistent pro-environmental behavior (PEB). This study examines whether cognitive reinforcement of biospheric values, which emphasize the intrinsic worth of the environment, can encourage greater alignment between values and behavior. Drawing on the truisms hypothesis (Maio et al., 2001), which suggests that actively reasoning about values strengthens their influence on actions, this research explores whether prompting individuals to reflect on their biospheric values enhances their willingness to engage in PEB. Although results indicated no significant overall effect of cognitive reinforcement on behavior, a positive correlation emerged between the depth of cognitive engagement and commitment to pro-environmental action. These findings suggest that simply making values salient may not be sufficient. Instead, deeper cognitive reflection plays a crucial role in strengthening value-based decision-making. Future research should explore how interventions can enhance cognitive engagement and investigate the role of contextual and social factors in translating environmental concern into meaningful, sustained action.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Sharpe, E.J. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Feb 2025 10:02 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Feb 2025 10:02 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4699 |
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