Determinants and consequences of climate commitment among facilitators of environmental awareness workshops: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study v1

Background. Climate activism is an expanding form of civic engagement in response to the ecological crisis. Among these initiatives, the facilitation of participatory environmental workshops (e.g., climate, biodiversity, oceans, food systems, digital sustainability) has emerged as a structured and accessible way to disseminate knowledge, foster collective awareness, and promote pro-environmental behavior. In France alone, more than 150 different workshop formats exist, involving thousands of volunteer and professional facilitators. However, little is known about the psychosocial determinants of such engagement, nor about its behavioral and psychological consequences for facilitators themselves. This study aims to explore (1) the determinants of sustained engagement as a facilitator of environmental awareness workshops, and (2) the associated outcomes in terms of pro-environmental behaviors and climate-related emotions. Methods. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study will include (a) an online survey distributed to facilitators of environmental awareness workshops across France, with the objective of reaching at least 500 respondents, and (b) semi-structured interviews with a subsample of approximately 30 participants. The quantitative component will assess multiple dimensions of facilitation engagement, pro-environmental behaviors (mitigation, adaptation, and collective action), climate-related emotions (including eco-anxiety, hope, and helplessness), as well as psychosocial variables such as ecological identity, selfand collective efficacy, sense of community, and political orientation. The qualitative component will provide in-depth insights into facilitators’ motivations, perceived barriers, and subjective experiences of the personal and collective impact of their involvement. Expected Results. The study will generate a multidimensional profile of facilitator engagement and identify key psychosocial predictors of sustained involvement. It will also document potential behavioral and psychological outcomes of facilitation, thereby informing strategies to better support, recognize, and sustain volunteer-driven environmental engagement.