Involved, United, and Efficacious: Could Self-Affirmation Be the Solution to California's Drought?
Self-affirmation theory posits that thoughts and actions that affirm an important aspect of the self-concept can make people more susceptible to change by casting their self in a positive light. Whereas much of the current literature has been restricted to individual-level concerns, the current study provides longitudinal evidence for behavioral outcomes in the context of the California drought, advancing our theoretical knowledge regarding the underlying processes that lead self-affirmed individuals to address societal risks and collective concerns. The results of a three-wave experimental study (N = 91) indicated that relative to nonaffirmed counterparts, self-affirmed participants reported on higher levels of support for water conservation policies, as well as on reduction of water use that endured for 30 days following the self-affirming manipulation. In both cases, the effects were mediated by collective-efficacy but not by self-efficacy. Relevant explanations are considered and practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
a Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism , University of Southern California.
Nathan
N
Walter
a Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism , University of Southern California.
Stefanie Z
SZ
Demetriades
a Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism , University of Southern California.
Sheila T
ST
Murphy
D002140:California; D002755:Choice Behavior; D000074067:Conservation of Water Resources; D055864:Droughts; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy