Opportunities for Emotion Research on Biodiversity

Cameron Brick*, Kristian S. Nielsen, Wilhelm Hofmann

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

We see unique opportunities to advance emotional research by studying an overlooked environmental problem. The biodiversity crisis is caused by land use, in particular by reducing and damaging habitats, such as deforestation for cattle grazing. Biodiversity processes are proximate and personally moving, like when a person is causing or experiencing changes to livelihood-providing ecosystems, and we suggest this affect-rich context is useful for studying social and psychological processes. In contrast, much research on far-away populations thinking about climate change effects involves more abstract and distant cognitions. We also suggest biodiversity-related emotions have consequential outcomes for health and behavior, and provide advice for shaping research programs on specific populations and wildlife interactions.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEmotion Review
Volume15
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)263-266
Number of pages4
ISSN1754-0739
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2023

Bibliographical note

Epub ahead of print. Published online: 13 August 2023

Keywords

  • Biodiversity
  • Environmental psychology
  • Conservation

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