Environmentalism: A Mixed Methods Study

Sammi Munson

Advisor: Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post, PhD, Department of Communication

Committee Members: Edward Maibach, Christopher Clarke

Horizon Hall, #5223
May 03, 2023, 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Abstract:

Environmentalism is a concept that has been frequently studied, yet imperfectly understood. The following dissertation will attempt to better understand who an environmentalist is and how they came to be that way in a two-part mixed methods study. In study one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who identified as caring for the planet. Major findings indicate that these individuals are influenced by a respected entity early on, and that environmentalism is rooted as a personal identity. Additionally, these individuals have high empathy and perform a wide breadth of pro-environmental behaviors. Last, it was found that those who care for the planet are largely disenchanted with the word choice of environmentalist. Study two was informed by the results of study one. Survey data was collected from a nationally representative sample of American adults. Multiple regressions were performed to investigate major antecedents of external and latent environmentalist identity such as pro-environmental behavior, empathy, environmental attitudes, and felt responsibility. All play a significant role in the formation of environmentalists. Descriptive statistics also reveal that environmentalism is seldom considered a bad thing by most Americans.