Affective reactions to losses and gains in biodiversity: Testing a prospect theory approach

Author(s)
Mathew White, Gregory N. Bratman, Sabine Pahl, Gerald Young, Deborah Cracknell, Lewis R. Elliott
Abstract

Recent reports have presented evidence of dramatic biodiversity declines. Despite the threat posed by such losses we know little about people's reactions to such information, or rarer ‘bright spot’ stories of localised recovery. We explored these issues through the lens of prospect theory, testing three aspects: a) reference dependence, b) loss aversion, and c) diminishing sensitivity. Study 1 (n = 393) presented US participants with a hypothetical ecological survey reporting changes in bird species at a key site between 1996 and 2016 using a 2 (Baseline species richness: Low/high) x 2 (Change direction: Loss/gain) x 4 (Change magnitude: 5/10/15/20 species) between-participants design. Study 2 (n = 570) used the same design but focused on marine species richness among a UK sample. Responses were measured using a version of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience. Both studies found evidence of reference dependence, but not loss aversion. In fact both studies found that reactions to biodiversity gains were stronger than equivalent losses; gains ‘loomed larger’ than losses. There was little evidence of diminishing sensitivity; scope insensitivity was the predominant pattern for losses and gains across both studies. Although those high in nature relatedness reacted more strongly to losses and gains, relatedness did not moderate any effects. Results suggest that communicators should not be surprised if reports of biodiversity declines do not have the impact they hoped, and that weaving in ‘bright spot’ stories may help people engage with the broader issues.

Organisation(s)
Vienna Cognitive Science Hub
External organisation(s)
University of Exeter, Plymouth University , University of California, Berkeley, University of Washington
Journal
Journal of Environmental Psychology
Volume
72
No. of pages
11
ISSN
0272-4944
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101502
Publication date
10-2020
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
501021 Social psychology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Social Psychology, Applied Psychology
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/affective-reactions-to-losses-and-gains-in-biodiversity-testing-a-prospect-theory-approach(6c95eeb1-b8b5-4753-87a7-8beffdbac41e).html