Exploring the Emotional Pathways From Cognition to Action Using the Survey of Environmental Actions

• In Event: Cognition, Goals, and Emotions in the Context of Learning

Abstract

In the present study, we examined more closely how emotions influence cognitive-motivational processes and predicted adaptive changes in human action. We examined relations between the following constructs: values, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and willingness to act. In particular we found that learner emotions mediated a direct path between attitudes and willingness to act. This aligns with previous research on the malleability of attitude change and provides additional lines of inquiry to examine the role emotions play in attitude change. Implications from this research suggests that the role of emotions need further exploration and should be attended to in educational interventions trying to increase positive adaptive environmental actions.

Authors

• Benjamin M Torsney, Temple University

• Ananya Matewos, St. Norbert College

• Doug Lombardi, University of Maryland - College Park