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How Green Self Image Affects Subjective Well-Being: Pro-Environmental Values as a Social Norm

Author

Listed:
  • Heinz Welsch

    () (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics)

  • Jan Kuehling

    () (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics)

Abstract

Recent literature has found that individuals holding a greener self-image display higher levels of life satisfaction. We extend the single-country setting of that research to a transnational perspective and explore whether a relationship exists between green self-image (GSI) and life satisfaction (LS), both European-wide and at the national level. In order to explain differences in the GSI-LS relationship across nations and time, we study the role of pro-environmental values as a shared social norm. We find a significantly positive GSI-LS relationship in a pool of 35 European countries and in the majority of individual countries. In addition, we show that the well-being benefit of holding a green self-image is greater in societies that are less divided with respect to environmental attitudes, that is, where being green is a shared social norm.

Suggested Citation

  • Heinz Welsch & Jan Kuehling, 2017. "How Green Self Image Affects Subjective Well-Being: Pro-Environmental Values as a Social Norm," Working Papers V-404-17, University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics, revised Oct 2017.
    • Handle: RePEc:old:dpaper:404
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    green self-image; subjective well-being; life satisfaction; social norm; social division;

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