Group-based action for resource conservation? Evidence on the influence of social identity processes and interpersonal dynamics on domestic precycling behavior

We are living in a time of anthropogenic ecological crises, such as the packaging waste crisis. Effective mitigation of this problem entails collective behavior change. This includes minimizing packaging waste, also referred to as precycling. To promote this change, a more nuanced understanding of the behavioral and social dimensions of domestic precycling is needed, one that accounts for group-related processes. In this cumulative dissertation, I investigate the behavioral strategies people use to minimize their domestic packaging waste, as well as the influence of group-related processes on this behavior. Furthermore, I evaluate the potential and limitations of group-based intervention approaches to encourage precycling behavior. I draw from the 'Social Identity Model of Pro-Environmental Action' (SIMPEA) and the concept of 'Household Social Cohesion' (HSC), adopting the perspective that individuals' cognitions and actions are shaped by the social groups they are embedded in. I approach these matters progressively, moving from the broad to the specific through two empirical studies (A and B), with the results presented in three research articles (RA1, RA2, RA3). Study A establishes a group-level perspective on domestic precycling behavior, providing the foundation for Study B to examine the influence of group-related processes on precycling in greater detail. The results of the explorative interview and diary approach (Study A, RA1) suggest that ingroup identification, ingroup norms and goals, and collective efficacy beliefs influence the performance of domestic precycling behavior across various groups, such as the household, family, friends, neighborhood, and food collectives. The findings also emphasize the role of interpersonal interaction (e.g., discussion, conflict) and suggest that these can both support and hinder precycling. Building on these findings, a digital community intervention (Study B, called 'Precycling HomeLabs' was implemented as a field experiment to promote domestic precycling. I conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses to examine the intervention effects on domestic precycling behavior and to study the influence of group-related processes in the newly formed community (RA2) and the participating household groups (RA3). Overall, the Precycling HomeLabs stimulated domestic precycling behavior. The results suggest that precycling behavior partly depends on group-related processes within the community and the household groups: In the community context (RA2), collective efficacy beliefs and sharing the community'´s precycling goal significantly predicted the performance of domestic precycling. In contrast, ingroup norms and identification had no significant influence. The results also imply that interaction among community members contributes to community identification. In the household context (RA3), HSC, especially cooperation and having a person to take responsibility, influenced the pursuit of precycling goals and behavioral performance. Concluding, I synthesize and discuss all findings in relation to the existing literature, and elaborate on their methodological, theoretical, and practical significance. Altogether, my research demonstrates the value of addressing resource conservation behavior at the group level and reveals the impact of social identity processes and interpersonal dynamics for promoting a low-waste society.