Does behavioural resistance explain the relation between self-control and sustainable behavior, and what is the influence of environmental care?

Abstract

Objective: In order to prevent climate change, individuals should harm the environment as little as possible. Although sustainable behaviour clearly includes a self-regulating component in which an individual has to refrain from short-term temptations in order to achieve a long-term goal, the relationship between self-control and sustainable behaviour has been little investigated. The current study examined i) the link between trait self-control and sustainable behaviour, ii) whether this could (partially) be explained by behavioural resistance, and iii) whether environmental care moderated the relationship between self-control and behavioural resistance. Design: The study contained a cross-sectional design. An online survey was used (N = 230). Results: Individuals with high trait self-control experienced less behavioural resistance and in turn displayed more sustainable behaviour. Environmental care did not affect the relationship between self-control and behavioural resistance. Conclusion: The current study has contributed to existing literature by expanding knowledge in the fields of self-control and sustainable behaviour. More research needs to be done to investigate relevant moderators and contributors, in order to better understand the reasons behind this relationship.