W. Schultz Environmental Concern Scale: Adaptation and Validation

Abstract

In order to advance the field of environmental psychology and gain a more profound understanding in the determinants for pro-environmental behavior in the Russian context, it is essential to increase existing research methodology. Therefore, the goal of this study was to adapt and validate the Environmental Concern Scale developed by Schultz in 2001. The methodology was developed based on the value nature of attitude and deals with evaluations of the importance of environmental consequences for oneself, others, and the animal world (egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric concern). Data from three studies which used slightly different question formulations (1333 respondents in total) were analyzed to investigate the three-factor structure of the scale. The tested 12 items of the scale full version showed satisfactory fit with the empirical data. Based on the analysis of covariance and factor loadings, one question was removed for each type of concern. After reduction, the scale showed good model fit, and its factors showed high internal consistency. Importantly, the analysis of the results for the extended formulations did not significantly differ from the abbreviated versions. Consequently, the final version of the concern scale is presented with questions devoid of additional specifications. The convergent validity of the scale was confirmed by the constructs of values and nature connectedness. It was found that all forms of concern were higher in women compared to men. Furthermore, biospheric and altruistic concerns increased with respondents' age and were higher among residents of Russian regions compared to inhabitants of Moscow and Saint-Petersburg.