Wastophobia: a scale development and validation

Purpose This study aims to develop and validate the wastophobia scale – a psychometric tool to assess consumer negative emotions associated with waste. Furthermore, it empirically investigates the impact of wastophobia (WP) construct on behavioral outcomes – behavioral avoidance (BA) and sustainable responsible behavior (SRB), through the mediating mechanism of mindfulness (MF). Design/methodology/approach Initially, qualitative interviews (n = 32) were conducted to generate pooled items. Second, three studies were undertaken to create, validate and empirically test the wastophobia scale. In study 1 (n = 285), exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the scale. Study 2 (n = 245) deployed confirmatory factor analysis to validate factor structures, scale reliability and validity. Finally, study 3 (n = 382) used both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to empirically examine the role of the WP (wastophobia) on behavioral outcomes through the mediation of mindfulness. Findings Study 1 identified a four-dimensional factor structure (containing three items each) of the scale encompassing: dismay, culpability, decrepitude and behavioral engagement intention. Study 2 confirmed the reliability, validity and factor structure of the scale across a diverse population. Finally, study 3 portrayed that heightened WP (wastophobia) activates MF (mindfulness), which inversely mediates BA (behavioral avoidance) (WP→MF→BA) and positively mediates with SRB (sustainable responsible behavior) (WP→MF→SRB). Practical implications Policymakers can use insights from the wastophobia scale to develop impactful promotional strategies. Heightened mindfulness rooted in wastophobia can develop a powerful emotional connection of individuals with vital causes, such as resource conservation, environmental stewardship and a sustainable future. Originality/value The presented wastophobia scale measures negative human emotions associated with waste. Mindfulness as a mediator compels individuals to avoid behavioral avoidance and maintain sustainable, responsible behavior and in achieving a sustainable future for all living beings on earth.