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Unpacking Plastic: Investigating Plastic Related Ambivalence

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Hahn

    (Department of Psychology, University of Trier, 54286 Trier, Germany)

  • Benjamin Buttlar

    (Department of Psychology, University of Trier, 54286 Trier, Germany)

  • Eva Walther

    (Department of Psychology, University of Trier, 54286 Trier, Germany)

Abstract

Many people are aware of the negative consequences of plastic use on the environment. Nevertheless, they use plastic due to its functionality. In the present paper, we hypothesized that this leads to the experience of ambivalence—the simultaneous existence of positive and negative evaluations of plastic. In two studies, we found that participants showed greater ambivalence toward plastic packed food than unpacked food. Moreover, they rated plastic packed food less favorably than unpacked food in response evaluations. In Study 2, we tested whether one-sided (only positive vs. only negative) information interventions could effectively influence ambivalence. Results showed that ambivalence is resistant to (social) influence. Directions for future research were discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Hahn & Benjamin Buttlar & Eva Walther, 2021. "Unpacking Plastic: Investigating Plastic Related Ambivalence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2186-:d:501314
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ying Sun & Shanyong Wang & Jun Li & Dingtao Zhao & Jin Fan, 2017. "Understanding consumers’ intention to use plastic bags: using an extended theory of planned behaviour model," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 89(3), pages 1327-1342, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Florian Lange & Cameron Brick, 2021. "Changing Pro-Environmental Behavior: Evidence from (Un)Successful Intervention Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-5, July.

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