Pilot study on the intertwined effects of attitude, relatedness and social norms on environmental behaviour

This study examined the role of the fulfilment of a social need for relatedness in the Self-Determination Theory as a moderator for the discrepant relationship between attitudes and actual behaviours toward the natural environment. Three hundred sixty-four participants answered an online survey evaluating attitudes, behaviours, and perceived social norms regarding the environment, as well as fulfilment of need for relatedness. Pearson correlational analysis, a univariate analysis of variance, and a series of t-tests on their responses suggest that pro-environmental individuals were more likely to act consistently with their attitudes in a social environment with contrasting views if their need for relatedness is fulfilled. Findings suggest that consideration be given to interpersonal relationships and relatedness need fulfilment in the environmental movement.