Exploring mindfulness and its impact on circular economy

Abstract

The concept of circular economy has emerged to address the key environmental issues of our time by altering our understanding of how we produce and consume finite resources. Given the importance of consumers within a functioning economy, a shift from a linear to a circular economy also requires a change in consumer consumption practices. Hence, in the pursuit of fostering more circular consumer behaviours, researchers and policymakers have been exploring various strategies. This dissertation proposes mindfulness as a possible solution. Using a sample of 96 participants, this study explores the relationship between dispositional mindfulness, circular economy behaviour, and willingness to pay (WTP) for circular products, as well as the impact of a brief mindfulness intervention on circular economy behaviour and WTP. Additionally, it examines whether perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and future time perspective (TP) mediate the relationship between mindfulness and circular economy behaviour or WTP. The findings reveal that dispositional mindfulness positively predicts circular economy behaviour, aligning with previous research on the correlation between mindfulness and sustainable consumption. The study also demonstrates that a brief mindfulness intervention can enhance circular economy behaviour, as the mindful-intervention group reported greater levels of circular economy behavioural intentions compared to a randomized control group. However, the study did not find a significant relationship between dispositional mindfulness and WTP for circular products, suggesting that mindful individuals may not necessarily be more willing to pay for circular products. The absence of direct mediation between dispositional mindfulness and circular economy behaviour or WTP highlights the need for further investigation into alternative mediating factors. The study contributes to the emerging field of mindfulness in sustainability and circular economy contexts and offers insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers seeking to promote circular economy behaviours.

Date of Award	24 Jan 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Cláudia Simão (Supervisor)