Studiu 3 PDF
Studiu 3 PDF
World Ecology
To cite this article: Shirin Betzler, Regina Kempen & Karsten Mueller (2021): Predicting
sustainable consumption behavior: knowledge-based, value-based, emotional and rational
influences on mobile phone, food and fashion consumption, International Journal of Sustainable
Development & World Ecology, DOI: 10.1080/13504509.2021.1930272
Article views: 26
CONTACT Shirin Betzler [email protected] Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, Osnabrueck University,
Osnabrueck, Germany
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.
© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
2 S. BETZLER ET AL.
contrast, the increasingly important consumption of approaches considered in the present study will be
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) pro reviewed.
ducts is still rarely considered in current sustainability First, knowledge has a long-standing tradition in
research. While ICT bears great potential for sustain being considered influential as a basis for consumption
able development in many areas (Hilty et al. 2011), it behavior. Following the consumer behavior literature,
also poses serious challenges regarding the hardware’s the Consumer Decision Process (CDP) model (Blackwell
sustainability along the whole life cycle of products, et al. 2006) conceptualizes the search for information as
such as high energy consumption, or the extraction of one crucial stage of the decision-making process. In
rare precious metals (Welfens et al. 2016). Due to their this process, existing or new knowledge influences the
comparably short life cycles, mobile phones are espe evaluation of consumption alternatives along different
cially conflicting in this respect. However, a profound evaluative criteria, e.g., the sustainability of a product,
debate about the need for sustainability in the mobile which in turn affects the final consumption decision.
phone sector is still lacking (Welfens et al. 2016). In the sustainability context, Kollmuss and Agyeman
Against this backdrop, this paper bridges substan (2002) proposed a model of pro-environmental beha
tial research gaps in the area of sustainable consump vior in which they conceptualize an awareness factor
tion in the following ways. First, as mentioned above, including knowledge as a distal influence on sustain
the present study compares different theoretical fra able behavior. Specifically, they define environmental
meworks and examines in detail how four major theo awareness as ‘knowing of the impact of human beha
retical approaches (knowledge-based/awareness vior on the environment’ (Kollmuss and Agyeman
(Kollmuss and Agyeman 2002; Bamberg and Moeser 2002, p. 253).
2007), value-based (Stern 2000), emotional (Mellers Empirically, knowledge and awareness factors have
and McGraw 2001; Vining and Ebreo 2002) and rational continuously proven to be a crucial basis for the facil
(Ajzen 1991) factors) predict sustainable consumption. itation of sustainable consumption (Uddin and Khan
In an additional research question, these approaches 2018; Heo and Muralidharan 2019). For example,
are compared and tested for their incremental predic Buerke et al. (2017) found different types of consumer
tive value over and above of each other, thus targeting awareness to be predictive for responsible consumer
the joint consideration of different theoretical models. behavior. In their meta-analysis, Bamberg and Moeser
Second, as very little is known about potential factors (2007) found ‘the awareness of and knowledge about
driving sustainable consumption of ICT, this research environmental problems’ (p. 15) to be an important
tests the different theoretical approaches for the con indirect predictor for sustainable consumption.
sumption of mobile phones, thus adding to the recent Following this reasoning and in line with Bamberg
emergence of research on sustainable consumption pat et al. (2007), it is thus assumed that a general problem
terns in the so far neglected, yet essential, domain of ICT. awareness (PA) of problematic sustainable states
Third, this research examines the aforementioned serves as a knowledge basis for sustainable
influencing factors as a function of particular products consumption.
and consumer involvement in order to understand Consequently, it is predicted that
specifics of sustainable consumption, giving rise to
target measures more adequately. Specifically, depart Hypothesis 1: Problem awareness (PA) is positively
ing from the ICT domain by examining mobile phones, related to sustainable mobile phone consumption.
study 2 investigates the predictive value of the theore
tical approaches (knowledge-based, value-based, emo
tional and rational factors) in two additional
Value-based influences on sustainable
established key industries crucial for sustainable
consumption
change, namely, in the food and fashion sectors.
Taken together, this paper offers a framework for the Value-based theories such as the Value-Belief-Norm
consideration of different theoretically relevant influ Theory (VBN; Stern 2000) have addressed the indivi
encing factors for the sustainable consumption of dual’s need to act according to their personal values.
mobile phones, fashion and food. The VBN assumes values as being the basis for making
decisions, determining an individual’s beliefs which in
turn lead to a personal norm, the only direct determi
Theoretical background nant of a person’s behavior. Stern recognizes the
importance of being aware of which consequences
Knowledge-based influences on sustainable
one’s actions have on others or the environment
consumption
(awareness of consequences, AC) and taking responsi
As stated above, several theoretical approaches have bility for it (ascription of responsibility, AR) as the core
been used to identify relevant factors predicting sus beliefs that lead to forming one’s personal norm (PN).
tainable consumption. In the following, the four major Various studies have successfully applied value-based
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & WORLD ECOLOGY 3
frameworks in the environmental field, for example in Rational influences on sustainable consumption
predicting green energy consumption (Hartmann et al.
One of the most frequently applied theories from psy
2018), sustainable behaviors in the tourism industry
chological decision research to model consumption
(Landon et al. 2018) or more recently for behaviors in
behavior is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB;
the IT sector (Asadi et al. 2019).
Ajzen 1991). This theory conceptualizes human beha
Consequently, it is predicted that
vior as being dependent on one principal direct influ
ence: The individual’s intention (INT) to engage in a
Hypothesis 2: Value-based factors as conceptualized by
certain behavior. In turn, three main correlating influ
the VBN (namely, awareness of consequences (AC),
ences are assumed to predict the intention. First, the
ascription of responsibility (AR), and personal norm
individual’s attitude (ATT) refers to a person’s evalua
(PN)) are positively related to sustainable mobile
tion of a behavior. This describes whether the indivi
phone consumption.
dual wants to act in a certain way. Second, the
subjective norm (SN) refers to the individual’s percep
tion of the evaluation of his or her social environment
Emotional influences on sustainable consumption regarding the individual’s behavior. This determines
the individual’s perception of what he or she should
Emotions have been widely considered in classical
do. Finally, the third influence on the individual’s inten
product marketing for decades (Holbrook and Batra
tion consists in the perceived behavioral control (PBC).
1987), for example, to promote product purchases.
This determines whether a person has the impression
Also, they have been employed in other contexts
that s/he is able to exercise a certain behavior. The TPB
such as encouraging pro-environmental donations
has been evaluated and shown to predict sustainable
(Bergquist et al. 2020). Interestingly, the consideration
consumption in various contexts, for example in the
of emotional influences to explain individual consump
domains of mobility (Bamberg et al. 2007; Hamilton
tion decisions in addition to other influences such as
and Terblanche-Smit 2018), ecotourism (Han 2015), or
rational and value-based ones has been comparatively
organic food consumption (Soyez 2012). Less promi
scarce. This is especially surprising given the fact that
nently, rational factors have been examined for the
emotions are highly influential in guiding human deci
prediction of sustainable behaviors in the IT sector
sion behavior (Lerner et al. 2015).
(Mishra et al. 2014; Asadi et al. 2019).
In sustainability research, emotions, especially
Consequently, it is predicted that
self-conscious emotions3 such as pride or guilt,
hold a strong potential as predictors and mediator
Hypothesis 4: Rational factors as conceptualized by the
variables of sustainable behaviors (Vining and
TPB (namely, attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), per
Ebreo 2002). In this context, Decision Affect Theory
ceived behavioral control (PBC) and intention (INT)) are
(Mellers and McGraw 2001) assumes that individuals
positively related to sustainable mobile phone
anticipate which emotional reactions will result from
consumption.
deciding for or against a behavioral option and, after
weighing different options, select the emotionally
All of the theoretical traditions reviewed above have
most advantageous one. This implies that individuals
partially contributed to the prediction and explanation
decide for sustainable options as they anticipate
of sustainable consumption. Nevertheless, jointly con
feelings of pride when having done so or feelings
sidering different theoretical approaches constitutes
of guilt when they have not. In contrast, Steenhaut
an important step towards a more comprehensive
and Van Kenhove´s (2006) ethical decision-making
understanding of sustainable consumption behavior.
framework conceptualizes guilt as resulting from
For example, in his theory of green purchase behavior,
respective ethical beliefs, serving as partial mediator
Han (2020) integrated the TPB and the VBN framework
for intentions. In both theories, self-conscious emo
for a better prediction. Likewise, Onwezen et al. (2013)
tions are seen as important facilitators of sustainable
obtained a good fit for a model including TPB, emo
behavior. Building on this theoretical basis, feelings
tional and selected value-based constructs. Thus,
of guilt or pride have been found to be associated
a simultaneous consideration of factors seems appro
with personal norms (Bamberg et al. 2007), per
priate in order to improve the explained variance in
ceived consumer effectiveness (Antonetti and
sustainable consumption behavior.
Maklan 2014) and environmentally-related intentions
(Onwezen et al. 2014). Consequently, two additional research questions
Consequently, it is predicted that were formulated for the present study. First, it was
examined whether the theoretical streams accounted
Hypothesis 3: Emotional factors, namely guilt and pride, for variance over and above previously included fac
are positively related to sustainable mobile phone tors in the order of the research hypotheses, meaning
consumption. all four theoretical streams were fully included. Second,
4 S. BETZLER ET AL.
it was tested whether the explained variance differed a broad range of educational backgrounds and parti
by order of consideration of the different theoretical cipants’ monthly income. More information on the
streams. Due to theoretical considerations, PA was sample can be found in table 7 of the supplemental
held constant as the first predictor. The remaining material. All participants stated that they possessed
three streams were iterated, resulting in five addition a mobile phone.
ally examined models.
Measures
Items were based on existing scales established and
Study 1 extensively tested in the domain of sustainable beha
Method vior such as travel mode choice (Bamberg and Schmidt
2003; Bamberg et al. 2007) and purchase behavior of
Procedure and sample environmentally friendly products (Onwezen et al.
Participants were recruited via a German online panel 2014) and adapted to assess different aspects of the
obtained from a high-quality panel provider. A web- sustainable consumption of mobile phones. The lan
survey on mobile phone consumption was conducted guage of item development was German. Items were
with N = 113 participants. At the beginning, to proceed based on previous own work, where they were back-
with the survey, participants received information translated.
about the survey including the voluntariness of their In order to reflect the ecological and the social
participation and gave their consent to participate.4 dimension of sustainable consumption behavior, all
For data quality check, a control item measuring parti model constructs were measured by at least three
cipants’ attention was included in the survey items. items covering fair working conditions, environmen
Also, straightliner response patterns were analyzed. tally friendly production conditions and overall consid
According to agreement with the panel provider, eration of sustainability. If not otherwise indicated,
n = 12 participants were excluded from further analysis items were measured on a 5-point Likert scale of
due to data quality concerns (n = 4 failed attention agreement. At the beginning of the survey, partici
scan, n = 1 questionable motivation due to responses pants were informed about the survey’s underlying
in open answer formats) or premature dropout (n = 7 understanding of sustainability in a short text. The
incomplete data sets). The final sample consisted of full study questionnaire including the introductory
N = 101 participants (55 men, 46 women) of mostly text can be found in the supplemental material. Table
German origin. The average age was 37.36 years 1 shows descriptive statistics, internal consistencies
(SD = 12.68, range = 18–65). The sample covered and sample items for all study variables.5 Further
Table 1. Descriptive statistics, internal consistencies and sample items for all study variables of study 1.
Variables M SD Cronbach’s Sample item [number of items per scale] Source(s)
α
1. Problem 3.36 0.85 .79 In my eyes, the production of mobile phones takes place under Bamberg et al. (2007)
awareness particularly environmentally harmful conditions. [3]
2. Guilt 3.51 0.95 .92 If I bought a mobile phone which had been produced under Onwezen et al. (2014)
particularly unfair working conditions, I would have a bad
conscience. [3]
3. Pride 4.10 1.04 .97 If I bought a particularly sustainable mobile phone, I would have Onwezen et al. (2014)
a good conscience altogether. [3]
4. Attitude 3.44 1.07 .96 For me personally, buying a mobile phone which has been produced Bamberg et al. (2007)
under particularly environmentally friendly conditions would be . . .
(not important – extremely important) [3]
5. Subjective 2.58 1.13 .96 People who are important to me think that I should consider the fair Bamberg et al. (2007)
norm working conditions when buying a mobile phone. [3]
6. Perceived 2.73 1.00 .94 For me, buying a particularly sustainable mobile phone would be Bamberg et al. (2007)
behavioral altogether . . . (very difficult – very easy) [3]
control
7. Awareness of 2.85 1.03 .95 My buying behavior of mobile phones has major consequences on the Bamberg et al. (2007)
consequences fairness of working conditions. [3]
8. Ascription of 3.53 1.02 .94 It is not only the state and the industry, who are responsible for Bamberg and Schmidt (2003)
responsibility reducing the problems resulting from mobile phones, but me too.
[4]
9. Personal 3.22 0.97 .95 Because of my own values, when buying a mobile phone, I feel an Bamberg et al. (2007); Bamberg
norm obligation to pay attention to the fair working conditions during and Schmidt (2003)
production. [6]
10. Intention 3.39 1.09 .97 When buying your next mobile phone, how probable is it that you will Bamberg et al. (2007); self-
particularly consider that it has been produced under developed based on
environmentally friendly conditions? (very improbable – very Blackwell et al. (2006)
probable) [6]
11. Mobile 1.96 0.91 .98 Altogether, when buying my last mobile phone, I have particularly self-developed based on
phone considered aspects of sustainability. [9] Blackwell et al. (2006)
consumption
Note. N = 101.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & WORLD ECOLOGY 5
information on the intercorrelations can be found in did not significantly contribute to the prediction of
table 8 of the supplemental material. sustainable mobile phone consumption (ΔR2 = .01,
p = .264 and ΔR2 = .00, p = .939, respectively). In
contrast, VBN factors in Step 2 (ΔR2 = .39, p < .001)
Results and TPB factors in Step 4 (ΔR2 = .09, p < .01) signifi
cantly increased the prediction of sustainable mobile
Table 2 shows the results of the separate multiple
phone consumption.
regressions that were conducted to test Hypotheses
In the iterations of the blockwise inclusion of
1–4.6 As can be seen in the table, PA did not predict
predictors, PA did not significantly contribute to
sustainable consumption significantly, F(1, 99) = 1.26,
the prediction of sustainable mobile phone con
p = .264, therefore not supporting Hypothesis 1. VBN
sumption (ΔR2 = .01, p = .264 for Step 1 of all
factors significantly predicted sustainable mobile
models). Emotional factors significantly increased
phone consumption, F(3, 97) = 21.43, p < .001,
the prediction of sustainable mobile phone con
accounting for 38% of variance. These results support
sumption only when inserted as Step 2 (Models 3
Hypothesis 2. Emotional factors significantly predicted
and 4: ΔR2 = .22, p < .001). VBN and TPB factors
sustainable mobile phone consumption, F(2,
significantly contributed to the prediction in every
98) = 14.91, p < .001, with an adjusted R2 of .22, thus
model, regardless of the step of inclusion, with
confirming Hypothesis 3. Finally, TPB factors signifi
a similar amount of explained variance. Of the
cantly predicted sustainable mobile phone consump
final set of predictors included in Step 4, AC
tion (adjusted R2 = .38, F(4, 96) = 16.30, p < .001), thus
(β = .26, p = .019), PN (β = .41, p = .01) and SN
supporting Hypothesis 4.
(β = .29, p = .003) significantly contributed to the
In order to address the formulated research ques
prediction. An extended table of hierarchical regres
tions, blockwise hierarchical regressions were calcu
sion results including standardized regression
lated. For Research question 1, the factors pertaining
weights for all steps of blockwise inclusion can be
to the four theoretical streams were included as four
found in table 9 of the supplemental material.
blocks in the same order as the hypotheses (cf. Model
To test for multicollinearity, the variance inflation
1, Table 3). For Research question 2, it was tested
factors (VIF) were inspected for all analyses. Following
whether the explained variance differed by order of
Micheal and Abiodun (2014), VIF values between 1 and
insertion of the blocks. The following three steps were
5.56 were acceptable, suggesting that multicollinearity
iterated, resulting in five additional models (cf. Models
was not an issue.
2–6, Table 3).
Table 3 shows the results of the hierarchical regres
sion analyses that were conducted to test the Research
Discussion
questions 1 and 2. As can be seen in the table, the
overall adjusted R2 was .43 for all models. For the Results of Study 1 suggest that problem awareness is
theoretically derived order of insertion (Model 1), PA not essential in the context of sustainable mobile
in the first step and emotional factors in the third step phone consumption, rejecting Hypothesis 1. By
Table 2. Results of regression analyses of sustainable mobile phone consumption of all theoretical model streams (study 1).
Predictors ß T p
Model 1: Problem awareness
Problem awareness .11 1.12 .264
F(df) F(1, 99) = 1.26 .264
Adjusted R2 .00
Model 2: VBN factors
Awareness of consequences .31 2.91 .004
Ascription of responsibility − .24 − 2.26 .026
Personal norm .55 5.43 < .001
F(df) F(3, 97) = 21.43 < .001
Adjusted R2 .38
Model 3: Emotional factors
Guilt .37 3.51 .001
Pride .16 1.55 .125
F(df) F(2, 98) = 14.91 < .001
Adjusted R2 .22
Model 4: TPB factors
Attitude .21 1.6 .114
Subjective norm .37 3.91 < .001
Perceived behavioral control − .01 − 0.08 .938
Intention .17 1.37 .17
F(df) F(4, 96) = 16.30 < .001
Adjusted R2 .38
Note. VBN = Value-Belief-Norm Theory, TPB = Theory of Planned Behavior. N = 101.
6 S. BETZLER ET AL.
Table 3. Results of hierarchical regression analyses of sustainable mobile phone consumption with iterations of value-based,
emotional and rational factors (study 1).
Predictors Adjusted R2 ∆R2 Predictors β Adjusted R2 ∆R2
Model 1: Problem awareness, VBN factors, emotional factors, TPB factors Model 5: Problem awareness, TPB factors, VBN factors, emotional factors
Step 1 .00 .01 Step 1 .00 .01
Step 2 .37** .39** Step 2 .38** .40**
Step 3 .36** .00 Step 3 .43** .07*
Step 4 .43** .09** Step 4 .43** .01
Model 2: Problem awareness, VBN factors, TPB factors, emotional factors Model 6: Problem awareness, TPB factors, emotional factors, VBN factors
Step 1 .00 .01 Step 1 .00 .01
Step 2 .37** .39** Step 2 .38** .40**
Step 3 .43** .08* Step 3 .37** .00
Step 4 .43** .01 Step 4 .43** .08**
Model 3: Problem awareness, emotional factors, VBN factors, TPB factors Problem awareness − .05
Awareness of consequences .26*
Step 1 .00 .01 Ascription of responsibility − .17
Step 2 .21** .22** Personal norm .41*
Step 3 .36** .17** Guilt − .16
Step 4 .43** .09** Pride − .05
Model 4: Problem awareness, emotional factors, TPB factors, VBN factors Attitude .18
Subjective norm .29**
Step 1 .00 .01 Perceived behavioral control − .01
Step 2 .21** .22** Intention .02
Step 3 .37** .18**
Step 4 .43** .08**
Note. Parameter estimates are for final step, not entry. VBN = Value-Belief-Norm Theory, TPB = Theory of Planned Behavior. N = 101, *p < .05, **p < .01.
contrast, emotional, value-based and rational factors widespread (McDonald et al. 2009), options in the
all significantly predicted sustainable mobile phone fashion industry are on the rise, but still fairly limited
consumption, thus supporting Hypotheses 2–4. With (Yang et al. 2017), and only minor sustainable tenden
38% of explained variance each, value-based and cies can be registered in the mobile phone sector
rational factors both seem to be the relevant predictors (Welfens et al. 2016).
of sustainable consumption. In terms of product involvement as a general mea
As the results of the hierarchical regression analyses sure of the self-relevance of purchasing activities to the
show, jointly considering the theoretical streams individual (Slama and Tashchian 1985), one central
improved the explained variance (43%). In all tested aspect constitutes the perceived risk of a purchase
models, VBN and TPB factors were overlapping, but (Laurent and Kapferer 1985). Given the differences in
also explained additional variance over and above of the duration of use of mobile phones, food and fashion
each other, suggesting that the factors also cover dis items, as well as the average price of the three product
tinct psychological aspects of sustainable consump groups as one essential attribute of product involve
tion. Emotional factors explained a substantial ment (Martin 1998), the selection of the three indus
amount of variance only when added in Step 2. This tries can be seen as an approximation of a high (mobile
suggests that VBN and TPB factors contain an emo phone), medium (fashion item) and low (food item)
tional component. When included after the VBN or TPB involvement product.
factors, emotional factors might be superimposed by Accordingly, extending the findings from study 1,
these and no longer incrementally add to the predic the principal research question of how knowledge-
tion of sustainable consumption. To further examine based, value-based, emotional and rational influences
the relevance of different theoretical streams in con predict sustainable consumption in the areas of mobile
trast to other consumption contexts such as food or phones, food and fashion is examined.
fashion, a second study was conducted. Consequently, it is predicted that
Table 4. Descriptive statistics and internal consistencies of all study variables for mobile phone, food and fashion consumption in
study 2.
Mobile phones Food Fashion
Variables M SD Cronbach’s α M SD Cronbach’s α M SD Cronbach’s α
1. Problem awareness 3.24 0.61 .58 3.32 0.75 .74 3.69 0.74 .76
2. Guilt 3.60 0.98 .92 3.65 0.95 .91 3.45 0.96 .91
3. Pride 3.96 1.12 .95 4.01 1.11 .96 3.94 0.98 .95
4. Attitude 3.67 0.90 .91 3.81 0.93 .89 3.59 0.98 .94
5. Subjective norm 2.55 1.14 .96 2.81 1.08 .94 2.61 1.10 .96
6. Perceived behavioral control 2.58 0.94 .93 3.00 1.01 .92 2.77 0.99 .94
7. Awareness of consequences 2.80 1.00 .92 3.21 0.96 .90 2.98 0.99 .92
8. Ascription of responsibility 3.55 1.07 .95 3.65 0.93 .93 3.69 0.94 .92
9. Personal norm 3.23 0.87 .94 3.28 0.96 .94 3.06 1.01 .96
10. Intention 3.50 1.02 .96 3.29 0.95 .95 3.08 1.10 .97
11a. Mobile phone consumption 1.85 0.84 .98
11b. Food consumption 2.62 0.97 .97
11c. Fashion consumption 2.22 1.01 .99
Note. Mobile phones: n = 103; Food: n = 101; Fashion: n = 100.
8 S. BETZLER ET AL.
Table 5. Results of regression analyses of sustainable consumption of mobile phones, food and fashion of all theoretical model
streams (study 2).
Mobile phones Food Fashion
Predictors β T p β T p β T p
Model 1: Problem awareness
Problem awareness − .09 − 0.93 .356 .35 3.66 < .001 .13 1.31 .192
F(df) F(1, 101) = 0.86 .356 F(1, 99) = 13.42 < .001 F(1, 98) = 1.73 .192
Adjusted R2 .00 .11 .01
Model 2: VBN factors
Awareness of consequences .20 − 1.95 .054 .04 0.48 .63 .03 0.37 .71
Ascription of responsibility − .22 − 2.25 .027 .02 0.29 .769 − .05 − 0.62 .534
Personal norm .51 5.03 < .001 .72 8.44 < .001 .70 8.36 < .001
F(df) F(3, 99) = 15.58 < .001 F(3, 97) = 41.77 < .001 F(3, 96) = 30.71< .001
Adjusted R2 .30 .55 .47
Model 3: Emotional factors
Guilt .29 2.62 .01 .56 5.92 < .001 .56 6.31 < .001
Pride .04 0.32 .749 .03 0.34 .733 − .10 − 1.18 .242
F(df) F(2, 100) = 5.05 .008 F(2, 98) = 23.91 < .001 F(2, 97) = 20.02< .001
Adjusted R2 .07 .31 .28
Model 4: TPB factors
Attitude − .17 − 1.40 .163 .17 1.93 .056 .05 0.49 .629
Subjective norm .36 3.56 .001 .16 2.01 .048 .20 2.37 .02
Perceived behavioral control .21 2.6 .011 − .06 − 0.82 .417 .11 1.54 .127
Intention .38 3.12 .002 .58 6.28 < .001 .56 5.12 < .001
F(df) F(4, 98) = 15.39 < .001 F(4, 96) = 41.89 < .001 F(4, 95) = 35.72< .001
Adjusted R2 .36 .62 .58
Note. Mobile phones: n = 103; Food: n = 101; Fashion: n = 100. VBN = Value-Belief-Norm Theory, TPB = Theory of Planned Behavior.
significantly predicted sustainable fashion consump TPB factors significantly contributed to the prediction
tion, F(3, 96) = 30.71, p < .001; F(2, 97) = 20.02, in all models, regardless of the step of inclusion. When
p < .001; and F(4, 95) = 35.72, p < .001, respectively, included in the second step, only the TPB factors pre
explaining 47%, 28% and 58% of variance. Thus, dicted sustainable fashion consumption significantly
Hypotheses 2c, 3c and 4c are supported. (Models 5 and 6: ΔR2 = .58, p < .001). VBN factors
Across all product groups, PN was the strongest significantly contributed to the prediction of sustain
predictor for sustainable consumption within the VBN able mobile phone and food consumption in all mod
framework (mobile phones: β = .51, p < .001; food: els. For fashion consumption, they contributed
β = .72, p < .001; fashion: β = .70, p < .001). In terms significantly if included before the TPB factors.
of emotional factors, guilt was the only significant An extended table of hierarchical regression results
predictor relevant across all product groups (mobile including standardized regression weights for all steps
phones: β = .29, p = .01; food: β = .56, p < .001; fashion: of blockwise inclusion can be found in table 13 of the
β = .56, p < .001). For the TPB factors, INT was the supplemental material. VIF values ranged between 1
strongest predictor (mobile phones: β = .38, p = .002; and 4.95, suggesting that multicollinearity was not an
food: β = .58, p < .001; fashion: β = .56, p < .001), issue (Micheal and Abiodun 2014).
followed by SN (mobile phones: β = .36, p < .001;
food: β = .16, p = .048; fashion: β = .20, p = .02).
Table 6 shows the results of the hierarchical regres Discussion
sion analyses that were conducted to test the addi Results of Study 2 suggest that problem awareness
tional Research questions 1–3. As can be seen in the plays a role only for the prediction of sustainable
table, 41% of variance was explained in sustainable food consumption, supporting Hypothesis 1b in the
mobile phone consumption, 67% in food consumption food sample, but rejecting it for mobile phone and
and 59% in fashion consumption. fashion consumption (Hypotheses 1a and 1c).
PA did neither significantly contribute to the pre Similarly to Study 1, emotional, value-based and
diction of sustainable mobile phone nor fashion con rational influences predicted sustainable consumption
sumption (ΔR2 = .01, p = .356; and ΔR2 = .02, p = .192, for all product groups, thus confirming Hypotheses
respectively for Step 1 of all models). In contrast, for 2–4. For all product groups, the TPB factors constituted
sustainable food consumption, PA significantly con the strongest predictors, with 36% (mobile phones),
tributed to the prediction (ΔR2 = .12, p < .001), explain 62% (food) and 58% (fashion) explained variance.
ing 11% of variance. Emotional factors significantly They were closely followed by the VBN factors as pre
increased the prediction of sustainable consumption dictors, explaining 30% (mobile phones), 55% (food)
only when inserted as Step 2 in all product groups and 47% (fashion) of variance.
(Models 3 and 4: Mobile phones: ΔR2 = .10, p = .005; As the results of the hierarchical regression analyses
food: ΔR2 = .24, p < .001; fashion: ΔR2 = .28, p < .001). show, jointly considering the theoretical streams
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & WORLD ECOLOGY 9
Table 6. Results of hierarchical regression analyses of sustainable consumption of mobile phones, food and fashion with iterations
of value-based, emotional and rational factors (study 2).
Mobile phones Food Fashion
Predictors β Adjusted R2 ΔR2 β Adjusted R2 ΔR2 β Adjusted R2 ΔR2
Model 1: Problem awareness, VBN factors, emotional factors, TPB factors
Step 1 .00 .01 .11** .12** .01 .02
Step 2 .32** .34** .58** .47** .47** .47**
Step 3 .31** .01 .57** .00 .48** .02
Step 4 .41** .12** .67** .11** .59** .12**
Model 2: Problem awareness, VBN factors, TPB factors, emotional factors
Step 1 .00 .01 .11** .12** .01 .02
Step 2 .32** .34** .58** .47** .47** .47**
Step 3 .42** .12** .66** .09** .57** .12**
Step 4 .41** .00 .67** .01 .59** .02
Model 3: Problem awareness, emotional factors, VBN factors, TPB factors
Step 1 .00 .01 .11** .12** .01 .02
Step 2 .08** .10** .34** .24** .27** .28**
Step 3 .31** .24** .57** .23** .48** .22**
Step 4 .41** .12 ** .67** .11** .59** .12**
Model 4: Problem awareness, emotional factors, TPB factors, VBN factors
Step 1 .00 .01 .11** .12** .01 .02
Step 2 .08** .10** .34** .24** .27** .28**
Step 3 .37** .30** .64** .31** .59** .33**
Step 4 .41** .06* .67** .03* .59** .01
Model 5: Problem awareness, TPB factors, VBN factors, emotional factors
Step 1 .00 .01 .11** .12** .01 .02
Step 2 .38** .40** .64** .53** .58** .58**
Step 3 .42** .06* .66** .03* .57** .01
Step 4 .41** .00 .67** .01 .59** .02
Model 6: Problem awareness, TPB factors, emotional factors, VBN factors
Step 1 .00 .01 .11** .12** .01 .02
Step 2 .38** .40** .64** .53** .58** .58**
Step 3 .37** .00 .64** .02 .59** .02
Step 4 .41** .06* .67** .03* .59** .01
Problem awareness − .14 .18** .02
Awareness of consequences .19 .06 − .00
Ascription of responsibility − .17 − .10 − .01
Personal norm .26 .28* .19
Guilt − .08 − .05 − .08
Pride .00 − .13 − .15*
Attitude − .20 .19 .09
Subjective norm .30** .14 .15
Perceived behavioral control .11 − .04 .10
Intention .34* .40** .50**
Note. Parameter estimates are for final step, not entry. VBN = Value-Belief-Norm Theory, TPB = Theory of Planned Behavior. Mobile phones: n = 103; Food:
n = 101; Fashion: n = 100, *p < .05; **p < .01.
VBN and the TPB theory. In study 2, in line with the indirect predictor for sustainable consumption
theoretical predictions of the TPB, intention was (Bamberg and Moeser 2007), not necessarily translat
the strongest predictor of the rational constructs ing into actual consumption behavior. Only for food
for all products. Empirically, similar findings stres consumption, a direct effect emerged. Thus, the effect
sing the central position of intention have been of variance in problem awareness seems to be depen
shown (e.g., Onwezen et al. 2013; Iran et al. dent on the product group. While a varying degree of
2019). Hierarchical regression results indicate that problem awareness seems to be an important basis for
the factors of both theories are overlapping, but sustainable consumption behavior in the food sector,
also have distinctive parts. This suggests that, sustainable practices in other sectors are less depen
besides a rational calculation to favor a behavioral dent on this variance of knowledge. Building on the
option as the most sensible one, acting according theoretical insights of the CDP model (Blackwell et al.
to one’s principles and values is important. This is 2006), this might be due to differences in the search for
in line with previous findings (e.g., Han and Hyun information as well as the resulting evaluative process
2017; Rezvani et al. 2017) that personal norm plays of the consumption decision. For a low involvement
a central role in behaving sustainably. In both stu product like food items, due to high purchase fre
dies and for all product groups, a (value-based) quency and the habitual character of many food pur
personal norm as well as the subjective norm con chases, consumers may have a lot of internal
stitute relevant predictors, suggesting that perso information available. In contrast, for medium or high
nal and social normative influences should go hand involvement products like fashion or mobile phones,
in hand to promote sustainable consumption. Also, an external search is necessary. If consumers cannot or
in Study 1, awareness of consequences held do not want to engage in it, other factors like value-
a significant influence. This circumstance should based or emotional ones could be more influential for
be addressed in educational measures, that is by the consumption decision. Alternatively, it is also con
fostering awareness and the individual’s conviction ceivable that individuals do not dispose of too little,
to act according to their principles just as much as but rather contradictory knowledge for fashion or
encouraging to be a pioneer in one’s social group. mobile phone consumption. This may impede the
Second, the results show that emotions predict sus decision-making process for sustainable behaviors,
tainable consumption, explaining a substantial creating ‘dilemmas, tensions and paralysis’ (Longo
amount of variance for all product groups. Looking at et al. 2019, p. 759), thus not translating into behavior.
the regression weights, this effect was accounted for Marketing or educational measures for the promotion
by the negative emotion guilt. In contrast, pride did of sustainable consumption in the food sector should
not prove to be a significant predictor. Building on address this circumstance, paying particular attention
existing research, these findings further stress the to including sufficient and trustworthy information. At
importance of guilt as key emotion in the promotion the same time, the amount of information should be
of sustainable consumption (Bamberg and Moeser adjusted to the target group at hand, accounting for
2007; Lindenmeier et al. 2017), but contradict other interindividual differences.
findings, for example, from Onwezen et al. (2013), on Concerning the overall prediction of sustainable
the importance of pride. Following the Decision Affect consumption behavior by all theoretical streams,
Theory (Mellers and McGraw 2001), this suggests that results show that the joint consideration improves
the anticipation of guilt as a negative emotional reac the explained variance compared to a single predic
tion is potentially more aversive than the expected tion. Differences emerged depending on the product
gain in light of experiencing pride, making guilt more group, ranging from 41% explained variance in mobile
effective in the decision process. Interestingly, in the phone consumption over 59% in fashion consumption
hierarchical regression analysis, guilt was only to 67% in food consumption. Presumably, depending
a significant predictor when included before the VBN on the product group, other supposedly non-psycho
or the TPB factors, suggesting that an emotional com logical factors such as price, brand or technical features
ponent is contained in an ascription of responsibility or of the product gain more importance (Petruzzellis
a personal norm (VBN) or an attitudinal belief (TPB). 2010). Also, the purchase process of durable goods
This makes the predictive power of guilt obsolete at like technological products seems to be complex
a later point of inclusion. (e.g., considering different time dimensions; Sriram
Third, problem awareness did not prove to be et al. 2010), suggesting differences in product involve
a significant predictor in most of the cases. ment. Finally, as descriptive results show, both per
Specifically, results show that problem awareness was ceived behavioral control and sustainable
a significant predictor for sustainable consumption consumption behavior were highest for food and low
only in the food sample (explained variance of 11%). est for mobile phones, with fashion ranging in
These results match earlier findings and confirm the between. This supports the initial assumption of the
importance of problem awareness unfolding as an availability of sustainable consumption options of the
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & WORLD ECOLOGY 11
Han H. 2020. Theory of green purchase behavior (TGPB): a new MacCallum RC, Austin JT. 2000. Applications of structural equa
theory for sustainable consumption of green hotel and green tion modeling in psychological research. Annu Rev Psychol. 51
restaurant products. Bus Strategy Environ. 29(6):2815–2828. (1):201–226. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.51.1.201.
doi:10.1002/bse.2545. Martin CL. 1998. Relationship marketing: a high-involvement
Han H, Hyun SS. 2017. Drivers of customer decision to visit an product attribute approach. J Prod Brand Man. 7(1):6–26.
environmentally responsible museum: merging the theory of doi:10.1108/10610429810209700.
planned behavior and norm activation theory. J Travel Tour McDonald S, Oates C, Thyne M, Alevizou P, McMorland LA.
Mark. 34(9):1155–1168. doi:10.1080/10548408.2017.1304317. 2009. Comparing sustainable consumption patterns
Hansmann R, Baur I, Binder CR. 2020. Increasing organic food across product sectors. Int J Consum Stud. 33(2):137–145.
consumption: an integrating model of drivers and barriers. doi:10.1111/j.1470-6431.2009.00755.x.
J Clean Prod. 275:123058. doi:10.1016/j. Mellers BA, McGraw AP. 2001. Anticipated emotions as
jclepro.2020.123058. guides to choice. Curr Dir Psychol. 10(6):210–214.
Hartmann P, Apaolaza V, D’Souza C. 2018. The role of psy doi:10.1111/1467-8721.00151.
chological empowerment in climate-protective consumer Micheal VA, Abiodun AA. 2014. Estimation of regression
behaviour: an extension of the value-belief-norm coefficients in the presence of multicollinearity. Soc Basic
framework. Eur J Mark. 52(1/2):392–415. doi:10.1108/EJM- Sci Res Rev. 2(10):404–415.
01-2017-0080. Mishra D, Akman I, Mishra A. 2014. Theory of reasoned action
Heo J, Muralidharan S. 2019. What triggers young Millennials application for green information technology acceptance.
to purchase eco-friendly products?: the interrelationships Comput Hum Behav. 36:29–40. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2014.03.030.
among knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness, Onwezen MC, Antonides G, Bartels J. 2013. The norm
and environmental concern. J Mark Commun. 25 activation model: an exploration of the functions of
(4):421–437. doi:10.1080/13527266.2017.1303623. anticipated pride and guilt in pro-environmental
Hilty L, Lohmann W, Huang EM. 2011. Sustainability and behaviour. J Econ Psychol. 39:141–153. doi:10.1016/j.
ICT-an overview of the field. Not Polit. 27(104):13–28. joep.2013.07.005.
Hoeksma DL, Gerritzen MA, Lokhorst AM, Poortvliet PM. Onwezen MC, Bartels J, Antonides G. 2014. Environmentally
2017. An extended theory of planned behavior to predict friendly consumer choices: cultural differences in the
consumers’ willingness to buy mobile slaughter unit meat. self-regulatory function of anticipated pride and guilt.
Meat Sci. 128:15–23. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.01.011. J Environ Psychol. 40:239–248. doi:10.1016/j.
Holbrook MB, Batra R. 1987. Assessing the role of emotions as jenvp.2014.07.003.
mediators of consumer responses to advertising. J Cons Petruzzellis L. 2010. Mobile phone choice: technology versus
Res. 14(3):404–420. doi:10.1086/209123. marketing. The brand effect in the Italian market. Eur
Iran S, Geiger SM, Schrader U. 2019. Collaborative fashion J Mark. 44(5):610–634. doi:10.1108/03090561011032298.
consumption–A cross-cultural study between Tehran and Podsakoff PM, Organ DW. 1986. Self-reports in organizational
Berlin. J Clean Prod. 212:313–323. doi:10.1016/j. research: problems and prospects. J Manag. 12
jclepro.2018.11.163. (4):531–544.
Jalil MH, Shaharuddin SS. 2019. Consumer purchase behavior Pollex J. 2017. Regulating consumption for sustainability?
of eco-fashion clothes as a trend to reduce clothing waste. Why the European Union chooses information instru
Int J Innov Technol Expl Eng. 8(12):4224–4233. ments to foster sustainable consumption. Eur Policy
Kollmuss A, Agyeman J. 2002. Mind the gap: why do people Anal. 3(1):185–204.
act environmentally and what are the barriers to Rezvani Z, Jansson J, Bengtsson M. 2017. Cause I’ll feel good!
pro-environmental behavior? Environ Educ Res. 8 An investigation into the effects of anticipated emotions
(3):239–260. doi:10.1080/13504620220145401. and personal moral norms on consumer pro-environmen
Landon AC, Woosnam KM, Boley BB. 2018. Modeling the tal behavior. J Promot Manag. 23(1):163–183. doi:10.1080/
psychological antecedents to tourists’ pro-sustainable 10496491.2016.1267681.
behaviors: an application of the value-belief-norm model. Slama ME, Tashchian A. 1985. Selected socioeconomic and
J Sustain Tour. 26(6):957–972. doi:10.1080/ demographic characteristics associated with purchasing
09669582.2017.1423320. involvement. J Mark. 49(1):72–82. doi:10.1177/
Laurent G, Kapferer JN. 1985. Measuring consumer involve 002224298504900107.
ment profiles. J Mark Res. 22(1):41–53. doi:10.1177/ Soyez K. 2012. How national cultural values affect
002224378502200104. pro-environmental consumer behavior. Int Mark Rev. 29
Lerner JS, Li Y, Valdesolo P, Kassam KS. 2015. Emotion and (6):623–646. doi:10.1108/02651331211277973.
decision making. Annu Rev Psychol. 66(1):799–823. Sriram S, Chintagunta PK, Agarwal MK. 2010. Investigating
doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115043. consumer purchase behavior in related technology pro
Lindenmeier J, Lwin M, Andersch H, Phau I, Seemann AK. duct categories. Mark Sci. 29(2):291–314. doi:10.1287/
2017. Anticipated consumer guilt: an investigation into mksc.1090.0506.
its antecedents and consequences for fair-trade Steenhaut S, Van Kenhove P. 2006. The mediating role of antici
consumption. J Macromarketing. 37(4):444–459. pated guilt in consumers’ ethical decision-making. J Bus
doi:10.1177/0276146717723964. Ethics. 69(3):269–288. doi:10.1007/s10551-006-9090-9.
Liu Y, Sheng H, Mundorf N, Redding C, Ye Y. 2017. Integrating Stern PC. 2000. Toward a coherent theory of environmentally
norm activation model and theory of planned behavior to significant behavior. J Soc Issues. 56(3):407–424.
understand sustainable transport behavior: evidence from doi:10.1111/0022-4537.00175.
China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 14(12):1593. Thaler R. 1980. Toward a positive theory of consumer choice.
doi:10.3390/ijerph14121593. J Econ Behav Organ. 1(1):39–60. doi:10.1016/0167-2681(80)
Longo C, Shankar A, Nuttall P. 2019. It’s not easy living 90051-7.
a sustainable lifestyle”: how greater knowledge leads to dilem Tracy JL, Robins RW. 2004. Putting the self into
mas, tensions and paralysis. J Bus Ethics. 154(3):759–779. self-conscious emotions: a theoretical model. Psych
doi:10.1007/s10551-016-3422-1. Inq. 15(2):103–125. doi:10.1207/s15327965pli1502_01.
14 S. BETZLER ET AL.
Uddin SF, Khan MN. 2018. Young consumer’s green Churchman, A, editors. New Handbook of Environmental
purchasing behavior: opportunities for green Psychology. New York (NY): Wiley; p. 541–558.
marketing. J Glob Mark. 31(4):270–281. doi:10.1080/ Welfens MJ, Nordmann J, Seibt A. 2016. Drivers and barriers
08911762.2017.1407982. to return and recycling of mobile phones. Case studies of
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs communication and collection campaigns. J Clean Prod.
[DESA]. 2021. Sustainable development goals - goal 12. 132:108–121. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.11.082.
[accessed 2021 Jul 8]. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12 Yang S, Song Y, Tong S. 2017. Sustainable retailing in the
Vining J, Ebreo A. 2002. Emerging theoretical and methodolo fashion industry: a systematic literature review.
gical perspectives on conservation behaviour. In: Bechtel RB, Sustainability. 9(7):1266. doi:10.3390/su9071266.