Experimental evidence for a dual pathway model analysis of coping with the climate crisis

Two experiments examined the psychological power of fear and group efficacy beliefs to increase environmental action intentions against the climate crisis Extending a dual pathway model of coping with collective disadvantage results showed evidence for emotion-focused approach coping Environmental action intentions were increased by individuals manipulated fear of the negative future consequences of the climate crisis (Experiments 1-2) Additionally results showed evidence for problem-focused approach coping Individuals measured (Experiment 1) and manipulated group efficacy beliefs (Experiment 2) increased environmental action intentions The results thus suggest that the dual pathway model can be successfully applied to a psychological analysis of emotion- and problem-focused approach coping with the climate crisis We discuss the theoretical and practical Implications of these results (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved