The psychology of green behavior: when growth mindset, peer influence and warm glow meet the individual self

Abstract

Purpose

This study in Iran examined the role of internal and external psychological factors that affected green purchase intention. Moreover, it examined these variables' direct and indirect effects and green purchase intention on green purchase behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

An extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was employed, based on which a theoretical model was designed to reach the authors’ aim. An online questionnaire was used to collect data. For data analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, the bootstrapping method and the Preschool Language Scale (PLS) product-indicator approach were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model.

Findings

Results show that self-identity, self-interest, self-efficacy and a growth mindset have a positive impact on green purchase intention. However, the study found no predictive effect from peer influence and warm glow. In addition, self-efficacy and green purchase intention significantly affect green purchase behavior. The study reveals that green purchase intention substantially mediates the relationship between self-interest, growth mindset, warm glow and green purchase behavior. Further, warm glow moderates the impact of peer influence, self-identity and self-efficacy on green purchase intention. This study emphasizes the critical role of dispositional factors on green purchase intention and behavior.

Originality/value

Few studies consider the effect of the individual self, a growth mindset, a warm glow and peer influence on green purchase intention simultaneously. In addition, the authors introduced a different version of the TPB model. Further, this research also conducted how these variables, directly and indirectly, affect green purchase behavior.

Citation

Rahnama Haratbar, H., Saeedikiya, M. and Seif, M.H. (2024), "The psychology of green behavior: when growth mindset, peer influence and warm glow meet the individual self", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 485-505. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-09-2022-0268