Guilt, anger, and pride about in-group environmental behaviour: Different emotions predict distinct intentions

The present research compared the in-group-focused emotions of pride, guilt, and anger as predictors of three environmental intentions. In two scenario studies we manipulated the in-group's responsibility for environmental damage or protection. In-group responsibility for environmental damage increased participants' guilt and anger, whereas in-group responsibility for environmental protection increased participants' pride. The three emotions mediated the links between in-group responsibility for environmental behaviour and three behavioural intentions. In line with predictions, guilt predicted intentions to repair the damage and anger predicted intentions to punish wrongdoers. Pride predicted intentions for in-group favouring environmental protection. We discuss the role of group-based emotion in promoting different environmental behaviours.

► We varied the in-group's responsibility for environmental damage vs. protection.
► Responsibility for damage increased group-based guilt and anger.
► Responsibility for environmental protection increased group-based pride.
► Guilt mediated the effect on repair, anger the effect on in-group punishment.
► Pride mediated the effect on in-group favouring environmental intentions.