How Can Psychological Research Support Movements for Socio-Ecological Change? A Qualitative Study on Psychological Challenges and Questions of Activists

Authors

  • Karen R. S. Hamann Orcid
    Wandelwerk e.V., Aachen, Germany; Wilhelm-Wundt-Institute for Psychology, Social Psychology Department, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
  • Klara Wenzel Orcid
    Wandelwerk e.V., Aachen, Germany; Center for Technology and Society, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Sophia Dasch Orcid
    Wandelwerk e.V., Aachen, Germany
  • Eva Junge Orcid
    Wandelwerk e.V., Aachen, Germany
  • Anna-Sophie von Agris Orcid
    Wandelwerk e.V., Aachen, Germany
  • Julian Bleh Orcid
    Wandelwerk e.V., Aachen, Germany; Wilhelm-Wundt-Institute for Psychology, Social Psychology Department, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany

Abstract

Research on collective climate action has been increasing in the past years. Yet, as scholars base their ideas on previous research and discussions in the scientific community, research may pass by the most pressing challenges that people working for socio-ecological change currently experience. To address this problem, we conducted 22 semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants from Europe and beyond to gain a better understanding of the psychological challenges and questions within socio-ecological movements. Inductive content analysis revealed eight key questions: How can movements and their members, (1) handle specific emotions, (2) become resilient, (3) deal with structural barriers, (4) create a (shared) identity, (5) work together constructively, (6) motivate others and themselves, (7) strengthen efficacy perceptions, and (8) how does societal change work? While a few of the raised themes have already received some attention in environmental psychology, most questions have not been sufficiently addressed. We therefore present a transdisciplinary research agenda for environmental psychology.