Media Use, Cross-National Samples, and the Theory of Planned Behavior: Implications for Climate Change Advocacy Intentions

Abstract

As the threat continues to grow from climate change, it is imperative to examine the applicability of psychological theories tied to behavior change to this important issue. In this study, we apply the theory of planned behavior to the issue of climate change. Using a purposive sample of 312 Brazilians, 312 Costa Ricans, 311 Nigerians, and 315 Americans, we examine the extent to which media effects (e.g., liberal, conservative, and nonpartisan media use) correlate with three key predictors of behavioral intention with the model: attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. We assess our model across four countries around the globe (i.e., Brazil, Costa Rica, Nigeria, and the United States).