Journal article
Associations of locus of control, information processing style and anti-reflexivity with climate change scepticism in an Australian sample
Public Understanding of Science, Vol.32(3), pp.322-339
2023
PMID: 36003054
Abstract
A proportion of the Australian public remains sceptical about the reality of climate change, its causes, impacts and the need for mitigatory action. To date, scepticism research largely focuses on factors highly resistant to change, particularly socio-demographic and value factors. This mixed-methods study investigated whether more malleable psychological factors: locus of control; information processing style; and anti-reflexivity, predicted climate change scepticism above and beyond socio-demographic and value factors. A sample of 390 participants (Mean age = 41.31, standard deviation = 18.72; 230 male) completed an electronic survey. Using hierarchical regression, trust in forces of anti-reflexivity and external locus of control predicted impact scepticism. Decreased trust in forces of reflexivity also predicted attribution and impact scepticism. Finally, external locus of control predicted response scepticism. Key qualitative themes identified were, trust in alternative science; mistrust of climate science; belief in natural cycles; predictions not becoming reality; and ulterior motives of interested parties.
Details
- Title
- Associations of locus of control, information processing style and anti-reflexivity with climate change scepticism in an Australian sample
- Authors
- Breanna Fraser (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyRachael Sharman (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyPatrick Nunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Publication details
- Public Understanding of Science, Vol.32(3), pp.322-339
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Ltd.
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1177/09636625221116502
- ISSN
- 1361-6609
- PMID
- 36003054
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99666698902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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