EVALUACIÓN PSICOMÉTRICA DE UN INSTRUMENTO DE MEDICIÓN DE ACTITUDES PRO AMBIENTALES EN ESCOLARES VENEZOLANOS

En las actuales circunstancias de daño al ambiente, que se evidencian a través de los cambios climáticos y el deterioro de la calidad de vida, se ha ido haciendo primordial impulsar los trabajos que promuevan cambios de comportamiento a favor de la recuperación y preservación del ambiente. Por este motivo, presentamos la evaluación psicométrica de un instrumento de medición de actitudes pro ambientales en niños con la finalidad de que pueda ser utilizado en el ámbito local. El instrumento original, a partir del cual se hizo la traducción y adaptación de contenidos, es el Children’s Attitudes Toward the Environment Scale [CATES] de Musser y Malkus (1994). Con el objetivo de evaluar algunas propiedades psicométricas de la escala resultante de dicha adaptación, la misma fue aplicada a una muestra de 227 estudiantes, perteneciente a dos escuelas públicas venezolanas donde se realizaban programas escolares de reciclaje. A los fines de la validación del instrumento, se realizó un análisis factorial de componentes principales con rotación Varimax. Como resultado se propone la Escala de Medición de Actitudes Pro ambientales Infantiles [EMAPI] que presenta dos subescalas de actitudes hacia el ambiente y cuya consistencia interna resultó ser alta (= .626). Este trabajo contribuye al estudio de la formación de actitudes en actividades escolares de educación ambiental, ofreciendo un instrumento válido y confiable para evaluar la actitud pro ambiental para niños de edad escolar en el contexto venezolano. ∝Palabras claves: Actitudes Pro Ambientales infantiles; Escala de medición de actitudes; Educación Ambiental.PSICOMETRIC EVALUATION OF AN INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING CHILDREN PRO ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES IN VENEZUELAN SCHOOLSAbstractIn the current circumstances of environmental damage that we can see through climatic changes and deterioration of quality of life, it has become paramount to promote behavioral change towards the recovery and preservation of the environment. We introduce here the psychometric assessment of an instrument translated and adapted for measuring environmental attitudes in children, to be used at the local level. The original instrument was named the Children's Attitudes toward the Environment Scale [CATES], presented by Musser and Malkus (1994). For adaptation and evaluation of some psychometric properties of this scale, the instrument was applied to a sample of 227 students from two venezuelan public schools where recycling programs had been conducted. For instrument validation, a principal components analysis with Varimax rotation was performed. As a result, we propose one Escala de Medición de Actitudes Pro ambientales Infantiles [EMAPI], with two subscales of attitudes towards the environment and whose internal consistency was high (α= .626). This work contributes to the study of attitudes formation in environmental education school activities, providing a reliable and valid instrument for assessing pro environmental attitude of school children in Venezuelan context.Keywords: Pro Environmental Children Attitudes; Attitudes Scale; Environmental Education

Co-benefits of addressing climate change can motivate action around the world

Personal and political action on climate change is traditionally thought to be motivated by people accepting its reality and importance. However, convincing the public that climate change is real faces powerful ideological obstacles1, 2, 3, 4, and climate change is slipping in public importance in many countries5, 6. Here we investigate a different approach, identifying whether potential co-benefits of addressing climate change7 could motivate pro-environmental behaviour around the world for both those convinced and unconvinced that climate change is real. We describe an integrated framework for assessing beliefs about co-benefits8, distinguishing social conditions (for example, economic development, reduced pollution or disease) and community character (for example, benevolence, competence). Data from all inhabited continents (24 countries; 6,196 participants) showed that two co-benefit types, Development (economic and scientific advancement) and Benevolence (a more moral and caring community), motivated public, private and financial actions to address climate change to a similar degree as believing climate change is important. Critically, relationships were similar for both convinced and unconvinced participants, showing that co-benefits can motivate action across ideological divides. These relationships were also independent of perceived climate change importance, and could not be explained by political ideology, age, or gender. Communicating co-benefits could motivate action on climate change where traditional approaches have stalled

On the relation between social dominance orientation and environmentalism: A 25-nation study

International audienc

Espacios y mantenimiento de la salud: Comparación de datos venezolanos y estadounidenses

The work reviews space characteristics used to ease daily depression states. It has a double objective: (a) compare results with other authors study on different physical/cultural environment and; (b) present a referential frame to insert this environmental nature study in psychology of health scope, prevention area. Stress theory and its coping processes are set out as referential theoretical frame for this type of work, considering that physical environment maintains moderates and heels on health-disease continuum. Literature revision endorses nature beneficial effect on human health. Venezuelan study was applied on 242 university students and adopts data collection instrument and analysis typologies of an American report. Among the results it was observed that studied population distribution related to types of process of humor change, differs in its distribution when compared with the American study; nevertheless, used spaces types and qualities provided do not vary qualitatively.El trabajo revisa las características de los espacios utilizados para aliviar estados de depresión cotidiana, pero se presenta con un doble objetivo: (a) comparar resultados con un estudio realizado por otros autores en un ambiente físico/cultural diferente al nuestro y; (b) presentar un marco de referencia para insertar este tipo de estudio de carácter ambiental en el ámbito de la psicología de la salud en el área de prevención. La teoría sobre estrés y sus procesos de afrontamiento se propone como marco teórico referencial para este tipo de trabajos, considerando el ambiente físico como mantenedor, moderador y curador en el continuo saludenfermedad y se presenta una revisión de la literatura que respalda el efecto benéfico de la naturaleza en la salud humana. El estudio venezolano se realizó con 242 estudiantes universitarios y se adoptó el instrumento de recolección de datos y las tipologías de análisis de un reporte estadounidense. Entre los resultados se observó que la distribución de la población estudiada, en relación a los tipos de proceso de cambio de humor, difiere en su distribución cuando se compara con el estudio estadounidense, sin embargo, los tipos de espacios utilizados y las cualidades de las que éstos proveen no varían cualitativamente

Impacto en componentes conductuales pro ambientales de los programas de reciclaje en escuelas venezolanas

Recycling programs in schools could be a valid alternative to formal environmental education leading to changes for increasingly proenvironment behaviors. Its application could lead to benefit the environment and its impact on the quality of life, and further in the implementation of Venezuelan laws that foresee education as a guiding principle for the comprehensive management of garbage and solid waste. It also advocates for changes leading to behaviors prescribed by the law rather than law enforcement. In this regard, the present study evaluated the efficacy of school recycling programs on environmental behaviors, through the analysis of components of models that explain the formation of attitudes and pro-environment behaviors. A descriptive study was conducted with 243 questionnaires to children 8 to 12 years old from two public schools, complemented with interviews to key informants. Among the most relevant results we found that with the recycling program�s behavior gets self reinforced, and three new categories of importance attached to recycling were identified compared to those rated by other authors: prudence, quality of life and self reinforce. In general we could conclude that students who were recycling internalized conservationist element that guide toward recycling and expressed pro-environment attitudes, pointing to confirm the efficacy of recycling school programs in the formation of favorable beliefs and knowledge toward the environment.Los programas de reciclaje en escuelas podrían ser una alternativa válida de educación ambiental formal conducente a cambios hacia conductas cada vez más pro ambientales. Su aplicación podría tener repercusión tanto en el ambiente como en la calidad de vida y, además, en la implementación de leyes venezolanas que prevén la educación como un principio rector de la gestión integral de los residuos y desechos sólidos. De esta forma podríamos propiciar los comportamientos indicados por la norma antes que su imposición legal. A este fin el presente estudio evaluó la eficacia de programas de reciclaje escolares sobre el comportamiento ambiental, a través del análisis de componentes de modelos que explican la formación de actitudes y comportamientos pro ambientales. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con 243 cuestionarios a niños de 8 a 12 años de edad de dos escuelas públicas, complementados con información de entrevistas a informantes clave. Entre los resultados más relevantes se obtuvo que con la implementación del programa, la conducta del reciclaje se auto-refuerza, y se identificaron tres nuevas categorías de importancia asignada al reciclaje respecto a las clasificaciones hechas por otros autores: prudencia, calidad de vida y auto refuerzo. En general se pudo concluir que los alumnos que reciclaban interiorizaron el elemento conservacionista que orienta al reciclaje y manifestaban actitudes pro ambientales, apuntando a confirmar la eficacia del reciclaje escolar en la formación de creencias y conocimientos favorables

Proposta para uma estratégia didática em educação ambiental: a observação das aves

La observación de aves es una actividad de ocio que podemos ubicar en el ámbito educativo en la categoría de juego didáctico. El objetivo del trabajo es proponerla como estrategia didáctica, para crear sensibilidad hacia la biodiversidad e incentivar su valorización en el contexto natural y en el urbano, así como promover una actitud reflexiva sobre el efecto de la urbanización. Como resultado de una investigación que revisó los conocimientos sobre la avifauna urbana, sugerimos esta estrategia caracterizada por: trabajar con diversos niveles de escolaridad, acercar al estudiante al objeto de estudio, las aves y en general la naturaleza, y estimular varios sentidos. Exponemos una descripción de los componentes de la actividad como estrategia didáctica con ejemplos de los contenidos pedagógicos que pueden ser [email protected]@[email protected] is a recreational activity that can be considered as an educational game. The objective of this study is to propose this activity as a teaching strategy to increase sensibility towards biodiversity in both rural and urban areas, and promote reflection towards the effect of urban development. Birdwatching is recommended at all school levels since it stimulate student sensibility. Some aspects of this activity are offered together with examples of how this can be included in various educational contents.A observação das aves é uma atividade de lazer que se pode incluir, no âmbito educativo, dentro da categoria de jogos didáticos. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor a observação das aves como uma estratégia didática para fomentar a sensibilidade pela biodiversidade, incentivar a sua valorização no contexto natural e urbano, e promover uma atitude reflexiva sobre o efeito da urbanização. Recomenda-se esta estratégia por sua aplicabilidade em diferentes níveis de escolaridade, além de acercar o estudante ao objeto de estudo (as aves e, em geral, a natureza) e por estimular seus sentidos. É exposta como estratégia didática, uma descrição dos componentes da atividade com exemplos de conteúdos pedagógicos que podem ser utilizados

Evaluación de la Calidad Ambiental, Grado de Optimismo y Asignación de Responsabilidad con Respecto al Estado del Ambiente en Latinoamérica

This study explores the assessments made by the inhabitants of eight Latin American countries regarding the current state of the environment, at a local, national and global scale, and how it is perceived looking ahead to the future. It also examines the assignment of responsibility in the future management of the environment. A total of 944 people took part in the study from the eight participating countries, men and women over the age of 18 with different levels of education. The study uses the Environmental Futures Scale to which two relevant items have been added to assess the environment in the region, as well as the Assignment of Environmental Responsibility Scale. The results show differences between the countries, although in general they are pessimistic regarding the current and future state of the environment at the local, national and global level, with the exception of Brazil. In general, and with the exception of Brazil, in the countries surveyed, people assign a high level of responsibility to external social agents at the different levels, increasing their judgement of external responsibility at the national and global levels of analysis. The implications of these findings for environmental policy and education in the countries of this region are also discussed

Co-benefits of addressing climate change can motivate action around the world

Personal and political action on climate change is traditionally thought to be motivated by people accepting its reality and importance. However, convincing the public that climate change is real faces powerful ideological obstacles1, 2, 3, 4, and climate change is slipping in public importance in many countries5, 6. Here we investigate a different approach, identifying whether potential co-benefits of addressing climate change7 could motivate pro-environmental behaviour around the world for both those convinced and unconvinced that climate change is real. We describe an integrated framework for assessing beliefs about co-benefits8, distinguishing social conditions (for example, economic development, reduced pollution or disease) and community character (for example, benevolence, competence). Data from all inhabited continents (24 countries; 6,196 participants) showed that two co-benefit types, Development (economic and scientific advancement) and Benevolence (a more moral and caring community), motivated public, private and financial actions to address climate change to a similar degree as believing climate change is important. Critically, relationships were similar for both convinced and unconvinced participants, showing that co-benefits can motivate action across ideological divides. These relationships were also independent of perceived climate change importance, and could not be explained by political ideology, age, or gender. Communicating co-benefits could motivate action on climate change where traditional approaches have stalled

La habitabilidad del espacio público en las ciudades de América Latina

Este artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio descriptivo correlacional que investiga la evaluación personal de las condiciones que caracterizan la habitabilidad del espacio público en 11 ciudades de 7 países de Amé- rica Latina: México, Colombia, Venezuela, Perú, Brasil, Chile y Argentina. En la investigación participaron un total de 1823 personas de ambos sexos y diferentes grupos de edad, que evaluaron la importancia y la satisfacción de diferentes características y condiciones del espacio público a través de un cuestionario ad hoc de 48 reactivos. Un análisis de escalamiento multidimensional de distancias mínimas (ssa) y de coordenadas de ordenamiento parcial (posac) indican que las personas evalúan las condiciones exploradas con base en la función que le atribuyen al espacio público de la ciudad. A pesar de las diferencias importantes entre las ciudades, hay coincidencias en varias condiciones del espacio público que, aunque se consideran importantes, no son reportadas como satisfactorias. Aparte de la importancia del conocimiento de la habitabilidad del espacio público en Latinoamérica, los resultados se discuten a partir de las consecuencias para la calidad de vida urbana y para la formulación de la política pública en la planificación y la gestión urbanaThis article presents the results of a descriptive correlational study that researches the personal assessment of the conditions that characterize the habitability of public space in eleven cities of seven Latin American countries: Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. The research involved a total of 1823 people of both sexes and various age groups who assessed the importance and satisfaction of different characteristics and conditions of public space through an ad hoc questionnaire of 48 items. A multidimensional scaling analysis of smallest space (ssa) and partial ordering scalogram (posac) indicate that people evaluate the conditions explored based on the function that they attribute to the city's public space. Despite the important differences among cities, there are coincidences on several characteristics of public space that, although considered important, are not reported as satisfactory. Aside the value of understanding the habitability of public space in Latin America, the results are discussed from the perspective of the implications for urban quality of life and for the formulation of public policy on urban planning and managemen