Buzás, Boglárka (2025) The Role of Social Interaction in Community Gardening: Effects on Pro-Environmental Social Identity Formation and Behavioral Intentions Among University Students. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Community gardens are increasingly recognized as promising grassroots interventions for promoting pro-environmental behavior (PEB). While prior research has focused on direct participants, this study examined whether observing social interaction in gardening contexts can foster pro-environmental social identity (PESI) and behavioral intentions among non-participating university students. Participants (N = 171) were randomly assigned to view one of three conditions: individual gardening, non-interactive community gardening, or socially interactive community gardening. There were no significant effects of condition on PESI components (pro-environmental norms, community identification, collective efficacy). PESI was, however, positively associated with both individual and collective PEB intentions. Notably, participants exposed to socially interactive gardening reported higher individual PEB intentions than those in the non-interactive condition when controlling for PESI. These findings suggest that while PESI may not emerge through passive observation, visible social engagement in sustainability practices can still motivate behavioral intentions through affective or observational pathways.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Jans, L. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Environmental Psychology (EP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Jul 2025 09:47 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jul 2025 09:47 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5619 |
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