Cognitive and emotional determinants of urban residents' acceptance of recycled water: a qualitative study based on the cognitive theory of emotion

ABSTRACT The promotion of recycled water serves as an effective solution to urban water shortage, with public acceptance being a critical factor. This study employs qualitative methods to identify cognitive, emotional, and cognitive-emotional mixed factors influencing individuals' acceptance of recycled water. Based on the cognitive theory of emotion, this study explains how cognitive appraisal predicts emotional responses and validates the impact of specific factors on acceptance of recycled water from a cognitive-emotional perspective. Results indicate that acceptance of recycled water for toilet flushing is lower than for greening. The difference in acceptance between the two uses may stem from recycled water for greening evoking positive emotions, while toilet flushing evokes negative emotions. Additionally, people expressed broader cognitive perceptions for toilet flushing, including perceived risks of health, quality, psychology, and finance, as well as perceived benefits of environment and finance. These perceptions of risks and benefits evoke weaker positive emotions for recycled water for toilet flushing, like hope and satisfaction, alongside stronger and broader negative emotions such as worry, anxiety, fear, and disgust. Positive emotions and perceived benefits are associated with higher acceptance of recycled water, whereas negative emotions and perceived risks are associated with lower acceptance.