The perfectionistic model of pro-environmental behaviour: testing the associations between perfectionism, dichotomous thinking, and the reported frequency of pro-environmental behaviours

Abstract Perfectionism is linked to elevated all-or-nothing thinking (dichotomous thinking), reduced self-evaluation (e.g., self-compassion, self-efficacy), and behavioural avoidance. This paper reviews the clinical model of perfectionism and the literature on the connections between perfectionism, dichotomous thinking, self-related constructs such as self-compassion and self-efficacy, and pro-environmental behaviour. It introduces the ‘perfectionistic model of pro-environmental behaviour’. In a test of the model, we explore the associations between perfectionism, dichotomous thinking, self-related constructs, and the stated frequency of different types of pro-environmental behaviours. These range from easy behaviours (e.g., switching the computer off when it is not in use) to difficult behaviours that require more effort to perform (e.g., buying second-hand clothes instead of new). The sample comprised of 338 participants (M age = 43.66; SD = 13.04). Our findings reveal that perfectionistic concerns (self-criticism about making mistakes) and perfectionistic strivings (setting high personal standards) exert opposing effects on the reported frequency of difficult pro-environmental behaviours. Specifically, perfectionistic concerns are associated with decreased frequency, while perfectionistic strivings are linked to increased frequency of difficult pro-environmental behaviours. Dichotomous thinking negatively correlates with the frequency of difficult pro-environmental behaviours. Both perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings have an indirect effect on the frequency of difficult pro-environmental behaviour through dichotomous thinking. Future longitudinal research should examine whether heightened perfectionism leads to increased dichotomous thinking, which in turn may result in decreased pro-environmental behaviour over time.