The understanding of environmental concern

In this study social science literature which has addressed concern for the quality of the natural environment is reviewed. The development of multidimensional models is identified as a contemporary theme in this and environmental psychology research. The results of research by Hackett (1987, 1989, 1992a, 1992b, in press) and Hackett and Florence (1991) are reviewed and a multivariate model of environmental concern is developed. Commonality of structure is found to exist in environmental concern attitudes/values within this model. However, environmental conservation action and/or issue specific variables are found to be important in structuring evaluations.