Attitude-intention consistency in the context of energy and water conservation: Examining the moderating role of vested interest

Abstract

Guided by Crano’s vested interest theory (VIT), this study examined how vested interest moderated the relationship between individuals’ attitudes and intentions in the context of energy and water conservation. Participants (N = 432) completed a survey on energy emissions (N = 215) or water scarcity (N = 217). Across topics, salience had a main effect on intentions to conserve, and self-efficacy had a main effect on water conservation. Interaction effects in the context of water conservation revealed that immediacy and self-efficacy moderated the effects of attitude toward water conservation on intentions to conserve.

Notes

1 Percentages may not add up to 100% as participants were able to select one or more categories for race/ethnicity.