Environmental Psychology
Welcome to the Environmental Psychology Division!
We are like the universe - we are always expanding! Go to team members to check out our current faculty members!
Our Topic: Environmental Psychology and Transformation towards a Sustainable Society
Our research covers psychological research topics around the topic of the transformation towards sustainability. We understand this equally as a top-down process, i.e. a politically defined transformation process to meet CO2 reduction targets; as well as a bottom-up process, i.e. a process promoted by the engagement and initiative of individuals in their social relations (we speak of solidarity-based quality of life). Within this framework, we explore different ways for individuals to engage in the Great Transformation. One focus is on the private individual field of action (consumption decisions, resource saving, investment decisions). In addition, we focus on the role of individuals as politically active, responsible citizens (policy acceptance, engagement with innovative technologies, activism). We do not limit ourselves to the urgent climate crisis, but also consider ways of acting to counteract the biodiversity crisis and to protect nature. In addition, we conduct classical research in environmental psychology, related to well-being and sustainability in urban spaces, and thus look at the sustainable design of human environments.
Our division addresses these topics in their broad range and complexity, primarly through inter- and transdisciplinary research projects.
1. Private-Sphere Behavior
Individuals contribute to transformation through informed consumption and investment decisions. Here, we take a close, psychologically informed look at new behaviors/practices. Current and completed research projects:
- Sustainable Diets, IP-Guardening,
- Investment in electromobility, decarbonization of heat supply in households (Power2U),
- Relationship between environmental awareness, quality of life and carbon footprint (GLAMURS),
- Promoting efficient ressource usage (ENVIRON),
- Potential of "shocks" to behavior change, e.g., the Covid 19 pandemic on mobility behavior (Tramocee),
- Behavioal options to curb overconsumption, e.g. tackling Foodwaste.
2. Political Behavior
Individuals help shape the transformation through their ability to influence policy. In addition to civil engagement (activism), this includes acceptance of new technologies (investment/use related to alternative propulsion, solar thermal, green power) and policies, as well as infrastructure changes (wind farms, road deconstruction, urban redevelopment). Current and completed research projects include:
- Psychologically informed design of CO2 taxation models. (KlimaHand),
- Measures to promote electromobility (ENavi I),
- Smart Meters Design (EnergyTrans),
- Deconstruction of streets, new distribution of traffic space, citizen- and traffic-oriented implementation of downtown depots for cargo bikes,
- Acceptability of technical innovations, e.g. new forms of mobility (Aura),
- Activism, Fridays for Future,
- Lifestyle changes, locating one's own lifestyle – Solidary Quality of Life,
- Intelligent process systems and socio-technical innovations for sustainable societies (SmartProSys).
3. Organizational Behavior
In addition to the private-sphere behavior, individuals can also contribute to transformation in organizations, such as their places of work. Here, we are primarily researching:
- Psychological intervention possibilities for energy saving in organizations (ECHO),
- Transformation pathways of universities towards climate neutrality (KlimaPlanReal),
- Conversion of business travel mobility, e.g. conference mobility (Tramocee).
4. Nature conservation - Resource protection, Biodiversity
Transformation processes are embedded in a broader discourse on sustainability, climate protection and biodiversity conservation. Our research focuses not only on potential conflicts of interest, but also on issues of engagement in nature conservation:
- Energy transition in the area of conflict between energy policy goals, social acceptance and nature conservation requirements,
- Climate protection and/ or nature conservation goals?,
- Promotion of voluntary work in nature conservation.
4. Classical Environmental Psychology Research
Classical environmental psychology is dedicated to the interaction of humans and the environment, for example in the design of urban and natural spaces. In this area we are currently researching on:
- Quality of life in urban areas, sustainable buildings and urban planning (Build4People).
News
New Publications
Kastner, K., & Matthies, E. (2023). On the importance of solidarity for transforming social systems towards sustainability. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 102067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102067
Parske & Kastner (2023). Crowdacting as a spark for climate protectiopn? A Digitally Supported Concept for Collective Action. In: Jankowski, P., Höfner, A., Hoffmann, M. L., Rohde, F., Rehak, R. & Graf, J. (Eds.) Shaping Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Society. Contributions from Bits & Bäume (138-142). Technische Universität Berlin. https://doi.org/10.14279/depositonce-17526
Blöbaum, A., Engel, L., Beer, K., Böcher, M. & Matthies, E. (2023): Nature Conservation versus Climate Protection: A Basic Conflict of Goals Regarding the Acceptance of Climate Protection Measures? Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1114677. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1114677
KlimaPlanReal project at the kick-off and 6. BMBF-Symposium „Nachhaltigkeit in der Wissenschaft“ in Zusammenarbeit mit der HRK - Auf dem Weg zu einem nachhaltigen Hochschul- und Wissenschaftssystem (6th BMBF symposium "Sustainability in Science" in cooperation with the HRK - Towards a sustainable higher education and science system)
In the research project KlimaPlanReal we participated in the 6th BMBF symposium within the funding priority "Transformation Paths for Sustainable Universities" in Berlin. A workshop was offered out of the project, in which governance structures, activation possibilities as well as intersections of informal and formal processes were discussed under the title "Sustainability management in practice - challenges & design possibilities".
New Publication
Matthies, E., de Paula Sieverding, T., Engel, L., & Blöbaum, A. (2023). Simple and Smart: Investigating Two Heuristics That Guide the Intention to Engage in Different Climate-Change-Mitigation Behaviors. Sustainability, 15(9), 7156. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097156
New Publication: Schwerpunktheft Umweltpsychologie
The issue "Ernährungsstile und Nachhaltigkeit - eine psychologische Perspektive" (Food Styles and Sustainability - A Psychological Perspective) as a focus issue of the journal Umweltpsychologie has been published under the guest editorship of Ellen Matthies, Karolin Schmidt, Anke Blöbaum and Karen Kastner. Two articles of our chair are included:
Kastner, K., Schmidt, K. & Matthies, M. (2022) Ernährungsstile und Nachhaltigkeit - eine psychologische Perspektive. Einführung in das Schwerpunktthema. Umweltpsychologie, 25(2), 3-11.
Schmidt, K. & Chmielewski, L. (2022) Was passiert, wenn wir der Wahrheit wirklich ins Auge sehen? Evaluation der vielfältigen Wirkungen bildlicher Hinweise auf Produktverpackungen für die Förderung eines nachhaltigen Fleischkonsums in Deutschland. Umweltpsychologie, 25(2), 32-62.
A warm welcome!
We welcome Charlotte Schmid as a new research assistant in the KlimaPlanReal project.
New Publication
Blöbaum, A. & Frohn, H.-W. (2022) Kommunikationsstrategie Alarmismus? Historische und umweltpsychologische Perspektive. In L. Berger, H.-W. Frohn & C. Schell (Hrsg.), Biodiversitätsverlust, Klimawandel und Covid-19-Pandemie - Zum Verhältnis bestehender Krisenlagen (S.69-81). Bonn: BfN /Skripten 641. https://doi.org/10.19217/skr641
Event Note
On 01.03.2023, Veronique Holzen will report on the TraMocee project from 16:00-18:00 as part of the launch of the virtual networking platform sci-an. Participation in the event is free of charge, registration is possible in advance here.
Keynote by Ellen Matthies at the Zukunfts- und Klimakonferenz des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt
On 18.01.2023, Ellen Matthies will give a keynote lecture on the topic "Which resources do citizens and consumers need to positively manage the great transformation towards sustainability?" at the Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency) in Dessau as part of the ZuKK (Future and Climate Conference of the State of Saxony-Anhalt).
New Publitations
Wallis, H., Holzen, V., Sieverding, T., Matthies, E., & Schmidt, K. (2023) How do appraisal as threat or challenge, efficacy, and environmental quality affect well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 2891. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1009977
Sieverding, T., & Wallis, H. (2022). Young for Old-COVID-19 Related Intergenerational Prosocial Behavior. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships,1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2022.2156651
Ellen Matthies honored with Research Award
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoJKVZ0m3tU&feature=emb_logo
New Publications
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101898
Ellen Matthies at the 13th Eberbacher Klostergespräche on Fundamental Economic Questions of the Transformation of the Energy System.
On Sept. 30, 2022, the symposium entitled "Putting it to the test - How to succeed in the accelerated expansion of renewable energies?" will take place at the Eberbach Monastery. Ellen Matthies will give a talk on the topic "The overall social perspective on the expansion of renewable energies - a question of acceptance? ".
Conclusion of the Aura Project
After three years of intensive interdisciplinary collaboration, the Auraproject was successfully completed on 30.09.2022. We thank all colleagues for the exchange and the inspiring collaboration.
New Publication
Theresa Sieverding at Fachtagung Ökologie 1992 - 2022 - 2052 (Deutsche Umweltstiftung)
On 05.09.2022 the symposium Ecology took place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the FACHBUCH ÖKOLOGIE. Theresa Sieverding moderated the topic table "Justice: environmental protection as a privilege?". Further information is available on the website of the event (https://www.deutscheumweltstiftung.de/fachtagung-oekologie/).
New Publications
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.926639.
Matthies, E. & Merten, M. (2022). High-income Households — Damned to consume or free to engage in high-impact energy-saving behaviours? Journal of Environmental Psychology, 101829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101829.
Event Notes
- 27.06.2022 Talk by Anke Blöbaum on "Psychology of mobility behaviour: How to get more cycling and walking into rural areas?"
Anke Blöbaum will give a talk as part of the AGFK MV (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für fahrrad- und fußgänger*innen-freundliche Kommunen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e.V.) event "Cycling and Local Mobility Concepts - Impulses for Rural Areas". It will take place on 27.06.2022, 09:30 - 15:15 in the Festsaal of Rostock City Hall. To attend, registration is required by 21.06.2022 via anmeldung@agfk-mv.de. Participation is free of charge. Further information and the programme of the event are available here. The event will be held in German.
- 27.06.2022 Online Presentation of the ESYS Position Paper "Removing Hurdles, Increasing Speed: Accelerate the Expansion of Photovoltaics and Wind Energy"
Save the Date: 27.06.2022, 14:00 - 16:00 the new ESYS position paper will be presented to the public. Ellen Matthies is co-leader of the expert group that worked on this statement. The event will be online in German, registration is requested. Further information is available on the ESYS website here.
- 24.06.2022: Webinar & Virtual Talk by Anke Blöbaum and Annalena Becker: "Time for Change – The Role of Environmental Psychology in Promoting Sustainable Urban Environments"
On 24.06.2022, 9:00-10:30, Anke Blöbaum and Annalena Becker will give a talk as part of the webinar in the cooperation of the Center for Khmer Studies and the Build4People Project. articipation is free of charge, registration to receive access data is possible in advance here.
New Publication
Köhler, J. K., Kreil, A. S., Wenger, A., Darmandieu, A., Graves, C., Haugestad, C. A. P., Holzen, V., Keller, A., Lloyd, S., Marczak, M., Medugorac, V. & Rosa, C. D. (2022). The need for sustainability, equity, and international exchange: Perspectives of early career researchers in environmental psychology on the future of conferences. Frontiers in Psychology, 3173. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906108.
Ellen Matthies at ESYS-Annual Meeting 2022 - Turning the Tide in Energy Supply
10.06.2022, Ellen Matthies discussed with Manfred Fischedick (Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy and ESYS Board of Directors), Lukas Köhler (Member of the German Bundestag, FDP), Julia Verlinden (Member of the German Bundestag, Bündnis 90/die Grünen) and Klaus Schäfer (Covestro) at the ESYS annual event questions on climate neutrality and security of supply, and how the energy transition can succeed as a holistic process. Information on the event, presentations and more pictures are available on the ESYS website here.
Event Note: Ellen Matthies at the Public Climate School
From 16-20 May 2022, the Public Climate School will take place in the form of hybrid live lessons. Ellen Matthies will be part of it, her contribution "Vom Klimaschutz über die Landwende zur Veränderung unserer Ernährungsstile"(From climate protection via the landwende to changing our diet choices" can be streamed from 16 May onwards. Further information (in German) can be found here, as well as on this year's Public Climate School programme.
New Publication
Schmidt, K., Wallis, H., Sieverding, T. & Matthies, E. (2022). Examining COVID-19-Related Changes toward More Climate-Friendly Food Consumption in Germany. Sustainability, 14 (7), 4267. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074267.
Project kick-off Power2U
While we started working in the project Power2U since the end of last year, the official virtual project kick-off took place on 14. and 15.03.2022! We thank all partners and participants for the successful start and the valuable, diverse contributions. We are looking forward to the good cooperation over the next years.
Ellen Matthies elected speaker of the German section of environmental psychology
New Publications
Merten, M. J., Becker, A. C. & Matthies, E. (2022). What explains German consumers’ acceptance of carbon pricing? Examining the roles of pro-environmental orientation and consumer coping style. Energy Research & Social Science, 85, 102367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2021.102367.
Schmidt, K., Kösling, P., Bamberg, S. & Blöbaum, A. (2022). A Prospect Theory-based experimental vignette methodology for exploring rebound effects and rebound-damping interventions. Ecological Economics, 193, 107302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107302
New Publications
Hagedorn, G., Baasch, S., Blöbaum, A., Brendel, H., Hardt, J.N., Heiland, S. Klinsmann, M., Matthies, E., Pfennig, A., West, C., Wipfler, B., et al., (2021). Scientists for Future empfiehlt eine repräsentative Klima-Bürger:innenversammlung im Jahr 2021 / Scientists for Future recommends a representative Climate Citizens’ Assembly in 2021 (Version 1.1, in Deutsch/German & Englisch/English). Diskussionsbeiträge der Scientists for Future, 5, 23 doi:10.5281/zenodo.4417265
Kastner, K., Gehlmann, F., Salzer, S., Kastner, I. & Matthies, E. (2021). Determinants of the acceptability of autonomous (cargo) mobility. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 11, 100448. doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2021.100448
Schmidt, K. (2021). When less is more–Effects of providing simple vs. refined action-knowledge interventions to promote climate-friendly food consumption in German consumers. Food Quality and Preference, 94, 104333. doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104333
Waibel, M., Blöbaum, A., Matthies, E., Schwede, D., Messerschmidt, R., Mund, J.P., Katzschner, L., Jayaweera, R., Becker, A., Karagianni, C., McKenna, A., Lambrecht, O., Rivera, M., & Kupski, S. (2020). Enhancing Quality of Life through Sustainable Urban Transformation in Cambodia: Introduction to the Build4People Project. Cambodia Journal of Basic and Applied Research (CJBAR), 2(2), 199 – 233.
Wallis, H., Bamberg, S., Schulte, M., & Matthies, E. (2021). Empowering People to Act for a Better Life for All. European Psychologist, 26, 184-194. doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000436
New Publication
Schmidt, K. (2021). When less is more – Effects of providing simple vs. refined action-knowledge interventions to promote climate-friendly food consumption in German consumers. Food Quality and Preference, 94, 104333. doi: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104333
New Publication
Schmidt, K., Arndt, J., Grote, U. & Matthies, E. (2021). Gärtnern aus der Ferne - Eine Fallstudie zur Untersuchung des Verbreitungspotenzials und der umweltschutzrelevanten Wirkungen digitalen Gärtnerns. Umweltpsychologie, 25(1), 43-72.
New Publication
Schmidt, K., Sieverding, T., Wallis, H., & Matthies, E. (2021). COVID-19–A window of opportunity for the transition toward sustainable mobility?. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 100374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2021.100374
New Publication
Wallis, H., & Loy, L. S. (2021). What drives Pro-Environmental Activism of Young People? A Survey Study on the Fridays For Future Movement. Journal of Environmental Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101581.
New Publications
Kastner, I., Becker, A., Bobeth, S., & Matthies, E. (2021). Are Professionals Rationals? How Organizations and Households Make E-Car Investments. Sustainability, 13(5), 2496.
Matthies E. & Schmidt K. (2020). Masterschwerpunkt Umweltpsychologie/Mensch-Technik-Interaktion. In: Haase, H. & Körner, F. (Hrsg.), Bildung für Nachhaltige Entwicklung in der universitären Lehre – Best Practice Beispiele der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg (S. 100 - 106). Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg.
Wallis, H. & Künzel C. (2020). Mastermodul – Interdisziplinäres Projektseminar Nachhaltigkeit. In: Haase, H. & Körner, F. (Hrsg.), Bildung für Nachhaltige Entwicklung in der universitären Lehre – Best Practice Beispiele der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg (S. 64 - 72). Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg.
New Publication
Schmidt, K. (2020). Behavioral effects of guideline-provision on climate-friendly food choices – A psychological perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production,123284.
New Publication
Emig, Y. & Kastenr, I. (2020). Akzeptanz von Windkraftanlagen in Deutschland - ein Review. Umweltpsychologie, 24 (1), 210 - 231.
New Publication
Bobeth, S. & Kastner, I. (2020). Buying an electric car: A rational choice or a norm-directed behavior? Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 73, 236-258.
NewPublication
Krause, K., Assmann, T., Schmidt, S. & Matthies, E. (2020). Autonomous driving cargo bikes – Introducing an acceptability-focused approach towards a new mobility offer. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 6, 100135.
New Publication
Frick, V. & Matthies, E. (2020). Everything is just a click away. Online shopping efficiency and consumption levels in three consumption domains. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 23, 212-223.
Build4People
Publication of 2nd Video Clip: Documentation of Project Launch & Conference Event, Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh, 26 November 2019
New Publication
Kastner, I. & Wallis, H. (2019). Schwerpunktthema: Investitionsentscheidungen im Umweltkontext. Einführung in das Schwerpunktthema. Umweltpsychologie, 23(2), 6-11.
New Publication
Krause, K., & Kastner, I. (2019). Ziemlich unterschätzt? Energiesparwissen in deutschen Haushalten − eine Bestandsaufnahme. Umweltpsychologie, 23(2), 58-74.
New Publication
Wallis, H. & Kastner, I. (2019). Interviews zum Schwerpunktthema "Investitionsentscheidungen im Umweltkontext". Umweltpsychologie, 23(2), 75-90.
New Publication
Vita, G., Ivanova, D., Dumitru, A., García-Mira, R., Carrus, G., Stadler, K., Krause, K., Wood, R. & Hertwich, E. G. (2020). Happier with less? Members of European environmental grassroots initiatives reconcile lower carbon footprints with higher life satisfaction and income increases. Energy Research & Social Science, 60, 101329.
New Publication
Kastner, I. & Wittenberg, I. (2019). How Measurements “Affect” the Importance of Social Influences on Household’s Photovoltaic Adoption - A German Case Study. Sustainability, 11(19), 5175.
New Publication
Gölz, S., Langer, K., Becker, A., Götte, S., Marxen, T., & Berneiser, J. (2019). Akzeptanz und Konflikte als Zustände regionaler sozialer Prozesse. Anwendung eines transdisziplinären Analyserahmens. In: C. Fraune, M. Knodt, S. Gölz & K. Langer (eds.), Akzeptanz und politische Partizipation in der Energietransformation (pp. 85-108). Wiesbaden: Springer.
New Publication
Schmidt, K. (2019). Predicting the consumption of expired food by an extended Theory of Planned Behavior. Food Quality and Preference, 78, 1-13.
New Publication
Blöbaum, A. & Matthies, E. (2019). Eine Frage der richtigen Strategie Psychologische Faktoren für (umwelt-)politisches Engagement. Politische Ökologie, 156, 80-85.
New Publication
Blöbaum, A. & Wallis, H. (2019). Freiwilligenarbeit im Naturschutz Motivation und Hemmnisse. Natur und Landschaft, 94(3), 98-102.
New Publication
Schmidt, K. (2018). Häusliche Lebensmittelverschwendung im Fokus umweltpsychologischer Interventionsforschung - Eine Untersuchung zum individuellen Spontankaufverhalten privater Konsument*innen. Umweltpsychologie, 22(2), 119-152.
New Publication
Assmann, T., Bobeth, S., & Fischer, E. (2019). A Conceptual Framework for Planning Transhipment Facilities for Cargo Bikes in Last Mile Logistics. In E. Nathanail, I. Karakikes (eds.), Data Analytics: Paving the Way to Sustainable Urban Mobility. CSUM 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, (pp. 575-582), vol 879. Cham: Springer.
New Publication
Matthies, E. (2018). Wenn 80% ihren Lebensstil ändern, ist dann die Große Transformation gelungen? Überlegungen zur transformativen Rolle der Umweltpsychologie. Umweltpsychologie, 22(1), 131-138.
New Publication
Stern, P.C., Wittenberg, I., Wolske, K.S., & Kastner, I. (2018). Household Production of Photovoltaic Energy: Issues in Economic Behavior. In A. Lewis (ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of Psychology and Economic Behaviour (pp. 541-566). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
New Publication
Wittenberg, I., & Matthies, E. (2018). How Do PV Households Use Their PV System and How is This Related to Their Energy Use? Renewable Energy, 122, 291-300.
New Publication
Wittenberg, I., Blöbaum, A. & Matthies, E. (2018). Environmental motivations for energy use in PV households: Proposal of a modified norm activation model for the specific context of PV households. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 55, 110-120.
New Publication
Bobeth, S. & Matthies, E. (2017). New opportunities for electric car adoption: the case of range myths, new forms of subsidies, and social norms. Energy Efficiency.
New Publication
Matthies, E. (2017). Vom Umweltbewusstsein zur solidarischen Lebensqualität - Ein Blick in jüngste Vergangenheit und Zukunft der Umweltpsychologie.
Umweltpsychologie, 21(1), 94-100.
New Publication
Steinhorst, J. & Klöckner, C. A. (2017). Effects of Monetary Versus Environmental Information Framing: Implications for Long-Term Pro-Environmental Behavior and Intrinsic Motivation. Environment & Behavior. 1-35.
New Publication
Frohn, H.-W., Blöbaum, A., Küster, H., Mende, A., Peters, M. & Ziemek, H.-P. (2017). Empfehlungen zur Erhöhung der regionalen Akzeptanz bei der Ausweisung von Nationalparks - auf der Basis der Analyse ausgewählter Nationalparkausweisungen von 1968-2009 [Recommendations to increase regional acceptance of the designation of national parks - based on the analysis of selected designations of national parks from 1968 to 2009]. Natur und Landschaft, 92(2), 76-81.
New Publication
Matthies, E., Bobeth, S., Klöckner, C. A. & Schippl, J. (2017). Zur besseren Verbreitung von Elektroautos Was können wir in Deutschland von Norwegen lernen? In J. Schippl, A. Grunwald, O. Renn (Hrsg.), Die Energiewende verstehen orientieren gestalten. Erkenntnisse aus der Helmholtz-Allianz ENERGY-TRANS (S.531-546). Baden-Baden: Nomos.
New Publication
Vögele, S., Matthies, E., Kastner, I., Buchgeister, J., Kleemann, M., Ohlhorst, D. & Nast, M. (2017). Reduktion des gebäuderelevanten Energiebedarfs als Herausforderung für die Energiewende. Sechs Thesen zu unterschätzten Barrieren und Potenzialen [Reduction of building-related energy demand as a challenge for the Energy Transition. Six theses about underestimated barriers and potentials]. In In J. Schippl, A. Grunwald, O. Renn (Hrsg.), Die Energiewende verstehen orientieren gestalten. Erkenntnisse aus der Helmholtz-Allianz ENERGY-TRANS [Energiewende: understanding orienting shaping. New findings of Helmholtz Alliance ENERGY-TRANS] (S.513-529). Baden-Baden: Nomos.
Lecture
Use participatory processes for the development of a solidary lifestyle!
Lecture held by Ellen Matthies as part of the symposium „The implementation of the Paris Agreement: is the direction correct?“on the occasion of the awarding of the German Environmental Prize, Würzburg, 29 October 2016
Lecture
Humanity on the move: Unlocking the transformative power of cities
Lecture held by Ellen Matthies as part of the lecture series "Urban environments in transformation" provided by the Berliner Akademie Seniorenuniversität at the Charité, Berlin, 19 October 2016
Lecture
From consumers to citizens - How can we overcome barriers of the great transformation of the energy system from a psychological view?
Lecture held by Ellen Matthies as part of the 7. Branchentags Photovoltaik NRW, on 28 September 2016 in Düsseldorf
Public poster session and panel discussion with citizens in Leipzig
On 18 September 2016, within the 50th Conference of the German Society for Psychology, a poster session with a subsequent panel discussion about "Die Energiewende vor meiner Haustür - Was kann Umweltpsychologie zum Gelingen der Energiewende beitragen? [The energy transition on my doorstep - What can environmental psychology contribute to the success of the energy transition?]" was organized by our department at the University of Leipzig.
This public event offered a forum to interested citizens of Leipzig as well as of the region around Leipzig to discuss the challenges of the energy transition with researchers and political actors from the region.
Participants in the panel discussion were: Dr. Anke Blöbaum (OvGU Magdeburg), Prof. Dr. Gundula Hübner (Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg/MSH), Alexander Wernke (Klimakollektiv), Karen Hamann (Initiative Psychologie im Umweltschutz: IPU e.V.), Heiko Reinhold and Joachim Krause (Environmental commissioners LK Sachsen), Prof. Dr. Ellen Matthies (WBGU), Dr. Gerhard Reese (Friedrich Schiller University Jena) and Ines Thronicker (UFZ Leipzig).
New Publication
Wittenberg, I., & Matthies, E. (2016). Solar policy and practice in Germany: How do residential households with solar panels use electricity? Energy Research & Social Science, 21, 199-211.
New Publication
Schmidt, K. (2016). What a Waste! Developing the Food Waste-Preventing Behaviors Scale A Useful Tool to Promote Household Food Waste-Prevention. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Science, 3 (3), 1-14.
New Publication
Schmidt, K., Kastner, I. & Nachreiner, M. (2016). Bedeutung und Besonderheiten wahrgenommener Quellenglaubwürdigkeit bei umweltrelevanten Verhaltensentscheidungen [The importance and the special features of perceived source credibility in environmental behavior choices]. Umweltpsychologie, 20 (1), 107-126.
New Publication
Wallis, H., Nachreiner, M. & Matthies, E. (2016). Adolescents and electricity consumption; Investigating sociodemographic, economic, and behavioural influences on electricity consumption in households. Energy Policy, 94, 224-234.
On April 25th 2016, the new WBGU report "Der Umzug der Menschheit: Die transformative Kraft der Städte" ["Humanity on the move: Unlocking the transformative power of cities"] was presented to the German Federal Government.
Here you will find further information.
New Publication
Schmidt, K. (2016). Explaining and promoting household food waste-prevention by an environmental psychological based intervention study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 111, 53-66.
New Publication
Kastner, I., & Matthies, E. (2016). Investments in renewable energies by German households: A matter of economics, social influences and ecological concern?. Energy Research & Social Science, 17, 1-9.
New Publication
Steinhorst, J., & Matthies, E. (2016). Monetary or environmental appeals for saving electricity? Potentials for spillover on low carbon policy acceptability. Energy Policy, 93, 335-344.
A very warm welcome to Iliyana Wenge!
From April 1st 2016 on she will be part of our team.
New Publication
Wittenberg, I., & FleuryBahi, G. (2016). Application of Sustainable Habitat: What is the Appropriation and Utilisation of Equipment After EnergySaving Renovations in Social Housing?. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology.
New Publication
Bobeth, S. & Matthies, E. (2016). Elektroautos: Top in Norwegen, Flop in Deutschland? Empfehlungen aus Sicht der Umweltpsychologie [Electric Cars: Flourishing in Norway, Flopping in Germany? Suggestions from an Environmental Psychology Standpoint]. GAIA, 25 (1), 38-48.
International Helmholtz workshop
Group photo taken at the end of our international workshops on electricity consumption in residential households with solar photovoltaic (PV)-systems and on the Perspectives of E-mobility in residential households, November 17th and 18th at the OvGU in Magdeburg.
Visitors from the United States
Monday, January 18th 2016, our division was visited by Elise Amel, Christina Manning and 24 students from Minnesota.
Climate agreement
We are pleased about the Paris Climate Agreement: The access to a climate-friendly global economy is done!
New Publication
New Publication
Matthies, E., & Klöckner, C. A. (2015). Car-fixation, socialization, and opportunities for change. In Hickman, R., Bonilla, D., Givoni, M., & Banister, D. (eds.), Handbook on Transport and Development (pp. 491-501). Edward Elgar Publishing.
New Publication
Nachreiner, M., Mack, B., Matthies, E. & Tampe-Mai, K. (2015). An analysis of smart metering information systems: A psychological model of self-regulated behavioural change. Energy Research & Social Science, 9, 85-97.
New Publication
Kastner, I. & Stern, P.C. (2015). Examining the decision-making processes behind household energy investments: A review. Energy Research & Social Science, 10, 72-89.
New Publication
Steinhorst, J., Klöckner, C. A. & Matthies, E. (2015). Saving electricity e For the money or the environment? Risks of limiting pro-environmental spillover when using monetary framing. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 43, 125-135.
New Publication
Lauper, E., Moser, S., Fischer, M., Matthies, E. & Kaufmann-Hayoz, R. (2015). Psychological Predictors of Eco-Driving: A Longitudinal Study. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 33, 27-37.
New Publication
Friedrichsmeier, T. & Matthies, E. (2015). Rebound Effects in Energy Efficiency an Inefficient Debate? GAIA, 24 (2), 80-84.
New Publication
Matthies, E., & Wallis, H. (2015). Family socialization and sustainable consumption. In L. A. Reisch, & J. Thøgersen (eds.), Handbook of Research on Sustainable Consumption (pp. 268-284). Edward Elgar Publishing.
New Publication
Van der Wal, R., Fischer, A., Selge, S. & Larson, B. M. H. (2015). Neither the public nor experts judge species primarily on their origins. Environmental Conservation, 1-7.
New Publication
Lauper, E., Moser, S., Fischer, M. & Matthies, E. (2015). Explaining Car Drivers’ Intention to Prevent Road-Traffic Noise: An Application of the Norm Activation Model. Environment & Behavior, 1-28.
Lecture
Environmental psychology achievements and potentials of behavioral sciences.
Lecture held by Ellen Matthies as part of the "Sustainability Conference of Saxony-Anhalt".
Wednesday, January 28th 2015, State Agency for Flood Defence and Water Management of Saxony-Anhalt, Magdeburg.
Panel discussion
Global agreements is the fail inevitable?
Panel discussion with Ellen Matthies, Dr. Heike Kuhn (Undersecretary in the Department for Millennium Development Goals and the Reduction of Poverty, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Bonn) and Christine von Weizsäcker (President of Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF), biologist and environmental activist, Munich) as part of the 2015 Dialogue Forums: "Climate, poverty, catastrophes save the world!" of the Munich Re Foundation.
Tuesday, January 20th 2015, Munich Re Foundation, Munich.
New Publication
Jaeger-Erben, M. & Matthies, E. (2014). Urbanisierung und Nachhaltigkeit Umweltpsychologische Perspektiven auf Ansatzpunkte, Potentiale und Herausforderungen für eine nachhaltige Stadtentwicklung [Urbanization and Sustainability Perspectives of Environmental Psychology on Starting points, Potentials and Challenges for a Sustainable Urban Development]. Umweltpsychologie, 18 (2), 10-30.
Lecture
New ways in participation communications.
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum as part of the workshop "Psychology in communications about conservation" - Conservation, ecological crisis and the individual's role.
Wednesday, November 5th 2014, German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation - International Academy for Nature Conservation, Isle of Vilm.
Lecture
Tasks and challenges of Environmental Psychology.
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum as part of the meeting of the the Association of German Psychologists of Central Germany ("BDP Mitteldeutschland").
Monday, October 20th 2014 at 6.00 p.m., OvGU Magdeburg.
Lecture
Social conditions and discourse for energy tournaround? Chances and risks, synergies and competing goals.
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum at the 32nd German Nature Conservation Day.
Thursday, September 11th 2014, Electoral Palace in Mainz.
New Publication
Krömker, D. & Matthies, E. (2014). Differences between Occasional Organic and Regular Organic Food Consumers in Germany. Food and Nutrition Sciences (5), 1914-1925.
New Publication
Ando, K., Yorifuji, K., Ohnuma, S., Matthies, E., Kanbara, A. (2015). Transmitting pro-environmental behaviours to the next generation: A comparison between Germany and Japan. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 18, 134-144.
New Publication
Fischer, A., Selge, S., van der Wal, R. & Larson, B. M. H. (2014). The Public and Professionals Reason Similarly about the Management of Non-Native Invasive Species: A Quantitative Investigation of the Relationship between Beliefs and Attitude. PLOS One, 9 (8), 1-10.
New Publication
Kastner, I. & Matthies, E. (2014). Motivation and Impact. Implications of a Twofold Perspective on Sustainable Consumption for Intervention Programs and Evaluation Designs. GAIA, 23 (1), 175-183.
New Publication
Blöbaum, A. & Matthies, E. (2014). Motivationale Barrieren für das Engagement von Bürgerinnen und Bürgern in formellen Beteiligungsverfahren [Motivational barriers for the engagement of citizens within formal participation procedures]. Natur und Landschaft, 89 (6), 259-263.
Lecture
From Knowledge to Action? Psychological contributions to energy tournaround.
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum under the lecture series "People who live in greenhouses should not throw a piece of coal!".
Wednesday, July 2nd 2014 at 4.40 p.m. - 6.10 p.m., TU Dresden.
Lecture
Measures for Promoting Environmental Friendly Behaviour.
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum.
Thursday, June 26th 2014, Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, Graz.
Lecture
The importance of energy tournaround for the consumer.
Lecture held by Ellen Matthies as part of the Leopoldina dialogue «Saxony-Anhalt - pioneer in energy transition?».
Thursday, April 4th 2014, Halle (Saale).
New Publication
Bratt, C., Stern, P.C., Matthies, E. & Nenseth, V. (2014). Home, Car Use, and Vacation: The Structure of Environmentally Significant Individual Behavior. Environment & Behavior, 1-38.
10th Biennial Conference on Environmental Psychology
We are happy to finally present you the video recordings of the
keynote lectures of the conference.
You will find videos of all keynote lectures of the conference here.
New Publication
Homburg, A., Nachreiner, M. & Fischer, D. (2013). Die BINK-Strategie zur Förderung nachhaltigen Konsumverhaltens und nachhaltiger Konsumkultur in Bildungsorganisationen - Weiterentwicklung auf der Basis einer formativen Evaluation [The BINK-strategy for promoting sustainable consumption behavior and a culture of sustainable consumption in educational institutions - advancement of the strategy on the basis of a formative evaluation]. In G. Michelsen & D. Fischer (Hrsg.), Nachhaltig konsumieren lernen. Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt BINK ("Bildungsinstitutionen und nachhaltiger Konsum") [Learning how to consume sustainably. Results from the project BINK (“Educational Institutions and Sustainable Consumption”)] (S. 185-213). Bad Homburg: VAS-Verlag.
New Publication
Blättel-Mink, B., Brohmann, B., Defila, R., Di Giulio, A., Fischer, D., Fuchs, D., Gölz, S., Götz, K., Homburg, A., Kaufmann-Hayoz, R., Matthies, E., Michelsen, G., Schäfer, M., Tews, K., Wassermann, S. & Zundel, S. (2013). Consumer-Messages. What researchers advise for shaping society towards sustainable consumption. Stuttgart: S. Hirzel Verlag.
Lecture
From Knowledge to Action - Psychological Paths towards Energy Conservation
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum under the eco-social lecture series of the STURA.
Tuesday, January 14th 2014, Technical University of Chemnitz.
Here you will find further information.
Lecture
Psychological Approaches for Promoting Environmental Friendly Behaviour
Lecture held by Anke Blöbaum under the lecture series "the Environment as an area of conflicts".
Wednesday, December 18th 2013, Technical University of Dresden.
Lecture
The user in the energy system - interfering factor or actor?
Lecture by Ellen Matthies within the „Energy in Development Lecture Series".
Tuesday, December 3rd 2013, Technical University of Berlin.
Here you will find further information.
Announcement
Asia Pacific International Conference on Environment-Behavior Studies
24-26th February 2014
Organized by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Yusoff , Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Co-hosted by Prof. Dr. Ellen Matthies, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
Matthies, E. (2013). Nutzerverhalten im Energiesystem. Erkenntnisse und Forschungsfragen aus der Psychologie [User behavior in the energy system. Insights and research questions from psychology]. Technikfolgenabschätzung. Theorie und Praxis, 22 (2), 36-42.
New Publication
Klöckner, C.A., Sopha, B.M., Matthies, E. & Bjørnstad, E. (2013). Energy efficiency in Norwegian households - identifying motivators and barriers with a focus group approach. International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 12 (4), 396-415.
New Publication
Kastner, I. & Matthies, E. (2014). Implementing web-based interventions to promote energy efficient behavior at organizations - a multi-level challenge. Journal of Cleaner Production, 62 (1), 89-97.
Appointment
On the 8th of May, Prof. Dr. Ellen Matthies has been appointed as member of the WGBU (Wissenschaftlicher Beirat der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltveränderungen = Scientific advisory board of the German Government for global environmental changes).
The WBGU was founded in 1992, as an independent scientific advisory board for the conference in Rio.
Here you will find further information.
Lecture
The influence of social ties and local circumstances on the waste station management: The quasi-experimental design survey in Sapporo, Japan.
Guest lecture by Yasuhiro Mori, Hokeido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Thursday, January 31st 2013 at 1 p.m., OvGU, Bldg. 24, R312.
A very warm welcome to Hannah Wallis!
From February 1st 2013 on she will be part of our team.
Lecture
Using stage models of behavioral change for intervention development - A promising approach or a dead end?
Guest lecture by Prof. Sebastian Bamberg, FH Bielefeld within the Environmental Psychology Research Colloquium.
Thursday, January 31st 2013 at 11 a.m., OvGU, Bldg. 24, R312.
10th Environmental Psychology Conference September 22-25 2013 in Magdeburg -
Call for Papers and Contributions.
A very warm welcome to Julia Steinhorst!
From January 1st 2013 on she will be part of our team.
The role of psychology in the transition process towards a sustainable society - invitation to an interdisciplinary expert discussion and lecture by Paul Stern
On Tuesday, November 20th 2012, an interdisciplinary discussion on the topic of “Transformation of the energy system” will take place in the Senate hall (building 05, room 205).
Prof. Paul C. Stern, National Research Council Washington, is going to open the discussion with his lecture on “The Role of psychology in the transition process towards a sustainable society”.
The event begins at 6.15 p.m. A cordial invitation to all colleagues and students who are interested!
New Publication
Friedrichsmeier, T., Matthies, E. & Klöckner, C. A. (2013). Explaining stability in travel mode choice: An empirical comparison of two concepts of habit. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 16, 1-13.
Lecture
Changing sustainability relevant routines in organizations - from intervention studies to diffusion of change.
Keynote by Ellen Matthies within the „STEEP - Summer school on Theories in Environmental and Economic Psychology”.
Monday, July 2nd, 2012 at 4 p.m., Aarhus University, Denmark
You find the podcast here.