A Psychographic Examination of Environmental Orientations

ABSTRACT

As concern about the environment increases, research is needed to help public policy marketers more fully understand and respond to the various aspects of this phenomenon. Of particular interest is (1) whether there exists a multiplicity of approaches to environmental concern and (2) whether it is possible to provide a rich multivariate explanation of each approach. This research goes beyond the often used univariate, demographic basis for describing environmentalism by undertaking a multivariate, psychographic examination of environmentalism. Responses to environmental activity, interest and opinion statements were gathered from 246 adult repsondents. The data were factor analyzed, resulting in five factors, each yielding a rich psychographic interpretation. The study provides unique, multidimensional insight into the manner in which each orientation is environmentally concerned. The study goes on to suggest ways in which public policy marketers can reach each of the environmental orientations and themes to which each is likely to respond.