An Integrative Methodology for Investigating Lived Experience and the Psychosocial Factors Influencing Environmental Cognition and Behaviour

This chapter describes an integrative research methodology for investigating lived experience and the psychosocial factors influencing environmental cognition and behaviour, developed to study sustainability professionals working to influence pro-environmental decision-making within their organisations. The methodology combines Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with frame and metaphor analysis, drawing on systems thinking and theories of psychological threat, coping, needs, emotion and embodied cognition. Findings show that emotion regulation is a significant coping strategy that can both support and hinder pro-environmental action, and that avoidance of negative emotions, while offering temporary psychological relief, can ultimately produce maladaptive responses to ecological crisis.