Extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Explain Energy Saving Behaviour

Abstract

Abstract Existing research in environmental psychology suggests that humans are conscious of the impact that their actions have on the environment. However, a corresponding change is yet to be seen in the voluntary adoption of pro-environmental behaviour by the Indian population. While there is an overall improvement in the ecological consciousness, we need to find out the psychological factors that promote adoption and maintenance of environmentally responsible behaviour. The current study incorporated the construct of consideration of future consequences (CFC) into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate energy-conservation behaviour in 232 college students. Results confirmed that TPB constructs predict pro-environmental behaviour. Results also confirmed that consideration of future consequences is positively related to efficiency enhancing pro-environment behaviour. The research has implications for planning interventions that address both adoption and maintenance of pro-environment behaviour.