Personality Trait Associations With Sustainable Behaviour And Attitudes: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN) and their correlation with pro-environmental behaviour and distinct dimensions of environmental attitudes, specifically responsible, pessimistic, sceptical, and general attitudes. Utilizing ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regressions and split-sample regressions, the study analyses data from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). The results reveal that openness is a strong positive predictor of pro-environmental behaviour, and together with agreeableness positively predicts both general and responsible environmental attitudes. Furthermore, neuroticism predicts higher levels of uncertainty and pessimistic attitudes. Regarding the interaction between attitudes and personality, the effect of environmental attitudes on sustainable behaviour remains homogeneous across the different dimensions of the personality traits. Generally, general, pessimistic, and responsible environmental attitudes positively influence sustainable behaviour, whereas sceptical attitudes exert a negative effect. These findings confirm existing theoretical frameworks and provide nuanced insights into how diverse personality dimensions shape individual behaviour and, ultimately, environmental outcomes.