83 research outputs found
Ciò che s’usa non fa scusa! Uso cross-culturale di questionari, una riflessione sul gap tra pratiche in uso e adeguate tecniche psicometriche di validazione.
No full textLa traduzione e uso di questionari in lingue diverse rispetto all’originale è pratica molto diffusa, ma erroneamente considerata sufficiente per garantire la validità di costrutto di un questionario (Flake et al., 2022). Tramite un esempio, l’adattamento della Pro-environmental Behavior scale (PEBS) dal contesto americano (Markle, 2013) a quello italiano, intendiamo illustrare buone pratiche (e.g., focus group, intervista cognitiva) da utilizzare per un adeguato adattamento di un questionario. Attraverso un secondo esempio, l’utilizzo della versione italiana della PEBS (Menardo et al., 2020) in Guatemala, intendiamo dimostrare come il solo utilizzo dell’analisi fattoriale confermativa non sia sufficiente per garantire la validità di costrutto. Il contenuto dei diversi item può essere percepito e interpretato in modi diversi in culture lontane (i.e., assenza di invarianza metrica), rendendo quindi i due paesi non confrontabili. Concludendo, questo contributo intende discutere della necessità di diffondere l’utilizzo di appropriate analisi preliminari per verificare la validità di costrutto, prima di utilizzare un questionario in contesti e campioni diversi rispetto a quelli in cui è stato utilizzato
RESTORATIVENESS AND ECOLOGICAL BEHAVIOURS: From methodological issues in self-report instruments to investigation of pattern of association
No full textAccording to some studies, the positive, rewarding and restorative experiences that people have in natural environments could be one of the motivations to preserve and protect nature (Byrka, Hartig, & Kaiser, 2010; Collado & Corraliza, 2015; Hartig, Kaiser, & Strumse, 2007; Nisbet & Zelenski, 2011). Exposure to natural environments (and the obtained benefits) could influence the probability of implementing Ecological Behaviours (EBs) (Coldwell & Evans, 2017), that is those behaviours aimed at the care and protection of the environment (Hartig, Kaiser, & Bowler, 2001; Steg & Vlek, 2009). The research in this field is quite recent, and many issues are still open. Among the other, the present dissertation tries to face three main issues: the assessment of ecological behaviours, some methodological concerns about restorative effect of natural environment, and the role of other related constructs. The lack of consistency of instruments for EBs assessment makes it difficult to compare the studies and reflects a lack of consensus regarding which behaviours should actually be measured. In particular, psychologists often assess ecological behaviours with measurement instruments whose influence on the ecological system is not considered. A huge amount of studies regarding restorative experience and restorative environments are based on the assumption that the natural environments are more restorative than the urban ones. However, studies addressing this issue use a variety of research methods (concerning for example research design, measurement instruments, participants, kind of exposure to the environments) making it difficult to compare the findings and to draw conclusions. Finally, empirical evidences suggest that the effect of restorativeness on EBs is not a direct effect but is mediated by environmental attitudes (Berto & Barbiero, 2017; Byrka et al., 2010; Hartig et al., 2007; Whitburn, Linklater, & Milfont, 2019). Moreover, some authors suggest that the ability to perceive nature as a restorative environment is influenced by Connection to nature (e.g., Berto & Barbiero, 2017; Whitburn et al., 2019) that, in turn, is a requirement for action to protect nature (e.g., Berto & Barbiero, 2017; Clayton, 2012; Mayer & Frantz, 2004). Finally, some studies suggested that EBs and their antecedents (e.g., Hartig et al., 2001; Milfont, 2009; Noppers, Keizer, Bolderdijk, & Steg, 2014) could be bias by social desirability (SD) (Paulhus, 1984). However, no study has investigated all these variables in a single model. The present research intents to contribute to the study of association between restorativeness and EBs overcoming the limitations described above. First, the Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (PEBS; Markle, 2013) is, to our knowledge, the only scale based on an impact-oriented approach and on empirical evidence recognized by the environmental scientific community (Brower & Leon, 1999) to cover the three categories of EBs proposed by literature (Stern, 2000). For this reason, in the first study of this project we adapted the original PEBS to the Italian context (qualitative phase) and we verified its psychometric properties (e.g., factor structure) (quantitative phase). The original scale was slightly modified following a suggestion obtained in a focus group (n =17) and in a pilot study (n =18). On a sample of 765 Italian adults (70% female, mean [SD] age = 41.7 [12.2], 2 missing) results revealed a 4-factor structure (conservation, environmental citizenship, food, and transportation) of the Italian PEBS, like the original version (Markle, 2013), maintaining 15 of the 19 original items (CFI = .973; RMSEA = .037: WRMR = 1.047; χ(84)2 = 170.63, p < .001; explained variance = 42%). Other psychometrics properties were “good” or better. Results suggest that the Italian PEBS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the principal EBs proposed by the literature as having a great impact on the environment. The second study of this project uses a meta-analysis aimed at estimating how much natural environments are perceived as being more restorative than urban environments. We investigated the role of moderator variables such as research design, kind of natural environment, participants, measurement instruments used or the context in which data were collected. PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, SpringerLINK, Web Of Science online databases were used to identity all peer-review articles on restorativeness published to date (k = 167). Reference sections of obtained papers were examined for additional studies. Only 22 studies met inclusion criteria (direct exposure to environment, comparison between one outdoor environment with natural element and one without natural element, and restorativeness measured by self-report scale) and were included in meta-analysis. Results showed that natural environments are perceived to be more restorative than urban environments (Cohen’s d [C.I.] = 1.99 [1.38 - 2.61]). Significant heterogeneity between studies was found (Q(19) = 503.16, p < .001) and variability within studies was very high (I2 = 97%). However, subsequent univariate moderator analyses were not significant. Other methodological differences (e.g., lighting conditions) could explain this variability. We concluded that the variability in studies is more likely to be due to individuals differences (e.g., age, connections to nature, and environmental attitude) than to methodological differences. Finally, in the third study we investigated relationship between the perceived restorativeness, the environmental attitudes, the connection to nature, and the social desirability. The first aim of this study is to cover this lack by proposing an integrated model of antecedents of EBs. The second aim is to verify if the proposed model is valid for all the different EBs’ categories proposed by literature (Stern, 2000): Conservation, Transportation, Food, and Environmental Citizenship. The model showed an excellent fit (CFI = 1.000; RMSEA = .000 [CI = .000 - .116]; SRMR = 0.031; χ(4)2 = 3.412, p = .491; explained variance = 26%) and almost all the hypotheses were confirmed: connection to nature and environmental attitudes are the only two constructs – among the ones used in the model – with a direct effect on EBs; connection to nature have also indirect effects, via perceived restorativeness and via environmental attitudes; environmental attitudes are influenced by perceived restorativeness but they do not significantly mediate the effect of restorativeness on EBs; social desirability has an indirect effect on EBs via connection to nature but it did not have a direct relationship with environmental attitude. All models with the different EBs categories as outcomes showed a good fit, however, while connection to nature is confirmed as a predictor of all the four categories of EBs, the environmental attitudes predicts only Environmental Citizenship. In sum, our model suggests that connection to nature, besides being the strongest direct predictor of EBs, it is also an important predictor of perceived restorativeness and environmental attitudes. So, studies that have investigated the indirect effect of perceived restorativeness on EBs via environmental attitudes (Byrka et al., 2011; Collado & Corraliza, 2015; Hartig et al., 2007) without considering the role of the connection to nature could have overestimated the indirect effect
The italian version of the pro-environmental Behaviours scale (pebs): validation process and a Practical application
No full textThere are several empirical evidence that the greatest long-term threat the world is facing is human actions that produce irreversible and damaging changes to the environmental conditions that sustain life. Unlike the high commitment of environmental psychologists to identifying the predictors of pro-environmental behaviors, little interest has been paid to the development of adequate measurement tools. Lack of consensus about which pro-environmental behaviors measurement tool to use makes comparisons between studies complex and reflects a lack of consensus about which behaviors should actually be measured. Among the tools proposed by the literature, the Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale (PEBS; Markle, 2013) appears to be a complete tool as it investigates both categories of pro-environmental behaviors proposed by the literature (behaviors in the public sphere and those in the private sphere) that have a high impact on the environment. In this work, we present the validation process of the scale after having adapted it to the Italian context. In addition, we present a practical application of the scale in a survey on the relationship between pro-environmental behaviors and some predictors (e.g., connection with nature)
Environmental factors and teenagers’ personalities: The role of personal and familial Socio-Cultural Level
No full textEnvironmental (e.g., socio-cultural context), individual (e.g., genetic makeup), and interpersonal (e.g., caregiver–children relationships) factors can play a crucial role in shaping the development of the teenagers’ personality. In this study, we focused on the Socio-Cultural Level that designates the set of preferences, knowledge, and behaviors that characterize an individual’s way of life and depend on his or her cultural, social, and economic resources. We studied the relationship between Socio-Cultural Level(personal, maternal, and paternal) and Big Five personality traits of 191 teenagers living in the same geo-graphical area. Results showed that Socioeconomic Status (i.e., parental education level and occupational prestige), which is the only dimension generally measured in investigations on Socio-Cultural Level, was not related with personality. In contrast, Cultural Capital and Social Capital were associated with different personality traits. Personal Cultural Capital was related to Openness to experience of boys and girls and to Extraversion of girls; personal Social Capital was related to Extraversion of girls, Emotional stability of boys, and Agreeableness of both boys and girls; maternal Cultural Capital was associated with Openness to experience of daughters. Overall, the personality of teenagers was more related to their own Cultural and Social Capital than to the Cultural and Social Capital of their parents. Moreover, the relationship between Cultural Capital and Social Capital of boys/girls and of fathers/mothers was moderate in strength. It seems that parents influence the development of personality of their teenagers indirectly, their Socio-Cultural Level shaping the Socio-Cultural Level of their sons and daughters
Influence of usability of Virtual Reality device on mood after exposure to natural virtual environment
No full textNature is nowadays considered the most restorative environment. A brief exposure to a (real or virtual) nature environment help people to restore affective resources. However, testing the possibility that a virtual reality (VR) device can evoke similar outcomes as real nature, the usability of such devices become an important factor to consider in the research. In this study we hypothesize a moderation effect of usability of device on the relationship between perceived restorative potential (PRP) of the environment and mood after nature exposure. 114 Italian students (83% female, mean (ds) age = 22.38 (6.50)) were immersed into a virtual nature environment using a virtual reality head-set (Oculus Rift). Before and after exposure positive and negative emotions were measured. After exposure participants were also asked to report PRP and usability of VR device experienced. 94 Results showed that higher level of positive emotions and lower level of negative emotions (except anger) reported after exposure were predicted by PRP. Usability of VR device moderate the influence of PRP on all positive emotions (enjoyment, relief, hope), except Relaxation, and on deactivating negative emotions (Sadness, Boredom). Only people that experienced high usability reported better emotional state when higher PRP was perceived. At the other side, when participants experienced low usability, they did not report emotional state difference in respect of level of restorativeness perceived. For activating negative emotions (Anger, Anxiety) and Relaxation interaction was not significant. High level of PRP predicted more Relaxation and less activating negative emotions independently of usability experienced
Environmental factors and teenagers' personalities: The role of personal and familial Socio-Cultural Level
No full textEnvironmental (e.g., socio-cultural context), individual (e.g., genetic makeup), and interpersonal (e.g., caregiver-children relationships) factors can play a crucial role in shaping the development of the teenagers' personality. In this study, we focused on the Socio-Cultural Level that designates the set of preferences, knowledge, and behaviors that characterize an individual's way of life and depend on his or her cultural, social, and economic resources. We studied the relationship between Socio-Cultural Level (personal, maternal, and paternal) and Big Five personality traits of 191 teenagers living in the same geographical area. Results showed that Socioeconomic Status (i.e., parental education level and occupational prestige), which is the only dimension generally measured in investigations on Socio-Cultural Level, was not related with personality. In contrast, Cultural Capital and Social Capital were associated with different personality traits. Personal Cultural Capital was related to Openness to experience of boys and girls and to Extraversion of girls; personal Social Capital was related to Extraversion of girls, Emotional stability of boys, and Agreeableness of both boys and girls; maternal Cultural Capital was associated with Openness to experience of daughters. Overall, the personality of teenagers was more related to their own Cultural and Social Capital than to the Cultural and Social Capital of their parents. Moreover, the relationship between Cultural Capital and Social Capital of boys/girls and of fathers/mothers was moderate in strength. It seems that parents influence the development of personality of their teenagers indirectly, their Socio-Cultural Level shaping the Socio-Cultural Level of their sons and daughters
DATASET: Adaptation and psychometric propierties of the Italian version of Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (PEBS)
No full textCFA_I-PEBS: dataset for confirmatory factor analysis and reliability of Italian version of Pro-Environmental-Behaviour ScaletestRetest_convergent_VALIDITY_I-PEBS: dataset for test-Retest and convergent validity of the I-PEB
Perceived or Objective accessibility to physical activity facilities? An exploration of predictors of physical activity via a meta-analytic SEM
No full textThere is an urgent need to understand factors that promote physical activities (PA) because it is one of the “easy” modifiable risk factors for global mortality (Bull et al., 2020). Systematic reviews support positive relations between PA and different environmental characteristics (e.g., Choi et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2019). One of the most studied characteristics of the physical environment is the accessibility to recreational/PA facilities. Both objective or subjective measures of accessibility to PA facilities are associated with PA (Borena et al., 2020; Hoehner et al., 2005). We reviewed the literature to verify, using a meta-analytic structural equation model, the hypothesis that the relationship between objective environment’s characteristics and PA could be mediated by how that characteristic is perceived (Orstad et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2019). We found eight studies that have investigated objective and perceived accessibility to PA facilities. Meta-SEM was conducted on the five studies with sufficient available data. Results suggest a significant predictive effect of the objective accessibility to facilities on PA’s behavior (beta = .15) and on the perceived measure (beta = .10), but the indirect effect was not significant. No significant effect was found for the perceived measure on PA. The fact that objective, but not the perceived environment, was associated with PA suggests that individuals’ level of awareness about their environments may have played a role. This prompts a need to create awareness campaigns, especially amongst subgroups that are more likely to misestimate perceptions (Ball et al., 2008)
Adaptation and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (PEBS)
No full textGiven that human behaviour is a major cause of environmental problems, psychology can play a crucial role in the efforts to deal with environmental issues. Environmentally significant behaviours (EBs) are defined as behaviours that harm the (natural) environment as little as possible or that contribute to its protection. However, psychologists often assess behaviours that are the target of interest without knowing their influence on the ecological system. The Pro-Environmental Behaviours Scale (PEBS; Markle in Hum Ecol 41:905–914, 2013) is, to our knowledge, the only scale based on empirical evidence from environmental scientific studies that covers the principal EBs categories proposed in the literature (private-sphere environmentalist, activism, and nonactivist behaviours in the public sphere). The aim of this paper is to adapt the original PEBS to the Italian context (qualitative phase) and to verify its psychometric properties (e.g. factor structure) (quantitative phase). The original scale was slightly modified following a suggestion obtained in a focus group (n = 17) and in a pilot study (n = 18). On a sample of 765 Italian adults [70% female, mean (SD) age = 41.7 (12.2), 2 missing] results revealed a 4-factor structure (conservation, environmental citizenship, food, and transportation) of the Italian PEBS, like the original version (Markle 2013), maintaining 15 of the 19 original items (CFI = .973; RMSEA = .037: WRMR = 1.047; χ2 (84) = 170.63, p < .001; explained variance = 42%). Other psychometrics properties were “good” or better. Results suggest that the Italian PEBS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the principal EBs proposed by the literature as having a great impact on the environment
Misurazione del livello socio-culturale: nuova strategia, nuove scale
No full textIl livello socio-culturale designa le preferenze, le conoscenze e i comportamenti che caratterizzano il modo di vivere di un singolo individuo o degli adulti che formano una famiglia e dipende dalle loro risorse culturali, sociali ed economiche. Il livello socio-culturale è un costrutto complesso che riguarda diversi ambiti del sapere, ma non sempre è stato adeguatamente definito e misurato in tutte le sue dimensioni. In ambito psicologico, spesso è rilevato con il livello di istruzione e il tipo di professione dell’individuo. In realtà, il livello socio-culturale è un costrutto multidimensionale che comprende non solo lo Status Socio-Economico (SES), di cui istruzione e professione sono indicatori, ma anche il Capitale Sociale e il Capitale Culturale. Il Capitale Sociale denota le risorse associate alle relazioni di fiducia con persone e gruppi/associazioni della propria comunità. Il Capitale Culturale riguarda la conoscenza e l'uso dei codici culturali considerati rilevanti nella comunità di appartenenza. Per ciascuna delle tre dimensioni SES, Capitale Sociale e Capitale saranno presentati modelli teorici, indicatori e scale di misura valide e innovative
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