Psychology for Sustainability: consumption and environmental protection

Recommended Prerequisites

Not defined.

Teaching Methods

1.Oral presentation

2. Generalization and transfer of knowledge exercises in class (e.g.: simulations/games on dilemmas; stimulus ratings, observation and data collection, construction or response to questionnaires or interviews) and identification and analysis of real life problems; group discussion;

3. Synthesis Assignments on intervention models and practices though analysis and critical review of scientific texts and research articles;

4. Problem-solving assignments involving bibliographic seach and application to environmental problems / behaviors.

Learning Outcomes

1.Understanding environmental problems, factors and impacts on human beings and ecosystems, general ecological principles and goals of sustainable development

2.Understanding psychological theory and research on behaviour with impact on the environment and pro-environmental behaviour and of psychological processes underlying behaviour and relation with the environment

3.Understanding models of intervention for change; Being able to perform a search on scientific databases and institutional sources of information and research outcomes on environmental problems, policies and strategies to specified  problems

4.Application of concepts to observation data through exercises and  tasks such as dissemination of knowledge and environmental policies; data collection by questionnaire or interview and behavioral analysis; creation of awareness materials, persuasive messages and reminders

5. Applying knowledge in identifying, analyzing and assessing problem solving strategies for change.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.Sustainable development concept. Perspectives for psychology for sustainability.

2.Societal factors of environmental problems

3.Cultural and moral accounts of pro-environmental behavior: the New Ecological Paradigm; Values-Beliefs-Norms Theory

4.Human response to nature: Biophilia, hypotheses of effects of exposure to natural stimuli

5.Moral judgments of damage to environment

6.Environmental and pro-environmental behaviors. Steps in analysing  and modifying behavs. Diverse factors in explanatory models of behavior and behav. change: social norms, costs and benefits (Theory of Planned Action), Affect, Habit, Contextual factors.

7. Integrative theories/ models: e.g. Goal Frame Theory;

8. Intervention based in psychological principles in the context of social marketing, organizational intervention, environmental education, institutional campaigns, and social advocacy. The Stage model of self-regulated behavior change in environmentally relevant behavior.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria São João Castilho Breda

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 30.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 30.0%
Synthesis work: 40.0%

Bibliography

Clayton, S. & Myers, G. (2015). Conservation Psychology: understanding and promoting human care for nature 2ed. Wiley-Blackwell

Steg,L. Van den Berg, A.E. & de Groot, J.I. (eds) (2013). Environmental Psychology: An Introduction. Madden & Oxford: British Psychol Society; John W. & Sons.

Gardner, G.T. & Stern, P.C. (2002). Environmental Problems and Human Behavior. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions.

Jackson, T. (2005). Motivating Sustainable Consumption. Report to Sustainable Development Research Network. Univ. of Surrey.

Breda, SJ, Lopes, M. & Mónico, L. (2017). Cultural values and the role of trust in agents and technology in consideration of dynamic prices electric grid and efficiency at home. Proceedings of 23rd Internat Sustainable Development Research Society Conference. Bogotá, Colombia.

Breda, S.J. & Almeida, A.(2019). Environmental learning experiences, motivations and literacy in higher education: a tool for assessment & communication. 1ª Conferência Campus Sustentável.Porto.