Political ideology as self-construal: Psychological distance, risk perception, and behavioral intention related to plastic waste

Given the vast amount of plastic waste generated in the US on an annual basis, consumer buy-in for recycling and reuse behaviors is essential in solving the problem. Drawing on construal level theory of psychological distance, this study investigates how individuals' perceived psychological distance of plastic waste is associated with their risk perception, emotional response, and intention to recycle and reuse. This study reports findings from two surveys: 1) a national sample of US adults (N = 1015), and 2) a representative sample of New York State residents (N = 1000). Results indicated that political ideology moderated the relationship between social distance, as well as temporal distance, and risk perception. Specifically, these relationships were stronger among conservatives. Practically, these findings suggest that it is important to tailor communication messaging about plastic waste based on the target audience's political ideology. Theoretically, these results are discussed in line with past research in the context of climate change and other environmental issues, where ideology also seems to be a crucial factor that shapes people's psychological distance perception.