Other-regarding preferences and pro-environmental behaviour: An interdisciplinary review of experimental studies

Pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) is often promoted by reinforcing or highlighting own benefits. However, considering that actors also care about the outcomes for others (i.e. they hold other-regarding preferences), PEB may be encouraged addressing these preferences. In this paper, we review results from social science experiments where interventions preferences were used to promote PEB. Based on our synthesis, conclude can effective in promoting (various types of) some, but not all instances. Whether an intervention was depended inter alia pre-established preferences, cost structures and perceived cooperation of others. Effective included provision information behavioural consequences, perspective-taking, direct appeals, framing re-categorization. The worked activating raising awareness adverse evoking empathic concern expanding moral circle. We propose take findings as impulse examine policy instruments institutions terms whether activate strengthen thereby enabling collective engagement