Research
Human-Nature Relationship and its Environmental Implications
In the past, nature used to be a source of wonder, awe, and spiritual enhancement, but in the modern world, it is often considered as just a pool of resources or an object of scientific observation. I am interested in understanding the alternative ways people think about nature, and whether these alternative representations bear any implications for environmental conservation. I focus on the concept of anthropomorphism specifically. Based on my early findings regarding this concept, I recently have explored the possibility of developing theories about the human-nature relationship with reference to existing theories on interpersonal relationships. Some examples of my output in this direction include my works on anthropomorphism of nature, connectedness to nature, empathy with nature and, most recently, gratitude to nature.
Key publications
Tam, K-P. (2022). Gratitude to nature: Presenting a theory of its conceptualization, measurement, and effects on pro-environmental behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 79, 101754.
Tam, K-P. (2019). Anthropomorphism of nature, environmental guilt, and pro-environmental behavior. Sustainability, 11(19), 5430.
Tam, K-P. (2013). Dispositional empathy with nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 35, 92-104.
Tam, K-P. (2013). Concepts and measures related to connection to nature: Similarities and differences. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34, 64-78.
Tam, K-P., Lee, S-L., & Chao, M. M. (2013). Saving Mr. Nature: Anthropomorphism enhances connectedness to and protectiveness toward nature. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 49, 514-521.
Context-Dependence of Human Responses to Environmental Problems
It is widely recognized that mainstream psychological knowledge has been developed based on a very narrow geographical representation of humans, mostly from the United States and other Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations. Two recent review articles of mine demonstrated that the field of environmental psychology is no exception to this problem. With this concern in mind, I have been actively advocating for deepening environmental psychology’s sensitivity to the context-dependence of human responses to environmental problems. Specifically, I argue that cross-national comparisons are indispensable. My research has demonstrated that, for example, the effects of personal attributes (e.g., environmental concern, values) on environmental action are stronger in societies characterized by an emphasis on self-expression (e.g., individualistic cultures, loose cultures), weaker social cynicism, and stronger norms of generalized trust. Political contexts also matter. My studies have revealed that the relationships between environmental motivations and participation in environmental activism are stronger among societies with a higher density of environmental NGOs and more democracy.
Key publications
Tam, K-P. (2025). Culture and pro-environmental behavior. Current Opinion in Psychology, 62, 101986.
Tam, K-P., & Milfont, T. L. (2020). Towards cross-cultural environmental psychology: A state-of-the-art review and recommendations. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 71, 101474.
Tam, K-P. (2020). Understanding the psychology X politics interaction behind environmental activism: The roles of governmental trust, density of environmental NGOs, and democracy. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 71, 101330.
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2018). Generalized trust narrows the gap between environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior: Multilevel evidence. Global Environmental Change, 48, 182-194.
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2017). Environmental concern has a weaker association with pro-environmental behavior in some societies than others: A cross-cultural psychology perspective. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 53, 213-223
Human Responses to Climate Change
The impacts of climate change are already felt in every corner of the world, and humanity is locked to even more severe and intense impacts in the near future. Urgent action in terms of both mitigation and adaptation is needed. In recognition of this pressing need, I have dedicated the past several years to exploring new research avenues focused on the issue of climate change. These recent projects are aimed to understand various human responses to climate change (e.g., climate change anxiety, support for climate policies, climate change denial and conspiracy theories).
Key publications
Tam, K-P., & Chan, H-W. (2023). Conspiracy theories and climate change: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 91, 102129.
Tam, K-P., Chan, H-W., & Clayton, S. (2023). Climate change anxiety in China, India, Japan, and the United States. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 87, 101991.
Tam, K-P., Leung, A. K-y., & Koh, B. (2022). Perceived cultural impacts of climate change motivates climate action and support for climate policy. Climatic Change, 171, 12.
Tam, K-P., Leung, A. K-y., & Clayton, S. (2021). Research on climate change in social psychology publications: A systematic review. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 24, 117-143.