Dr Wokje Abrahamse

PhD, MSc, MA

Lecturer Environmental Studies

Victoria University of Wellington

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research focuses on human behaviour in relation to a range of environmental issues, such as energy use, travel mode choice and food consumption. I am especially interested in the effectiveness of interventions to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly behaviours. I also examine factors related to engagement in environmentally friendly behaviours, such as attitudes, awareness and values. I held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities in 2009-2011.

Christchurch’s regeneration: Research and science-based insights

Effectiveness of interventions to encourage environmentally friendly behaviours: videos of presentation from Wokje Abrahamse

More information and contact details

KEY PUBLICATIONS

M Keall, R Chapman, P Howden-Chapman, K Witten, W Abrahamse, A WoodwardIncreasing active travel: Results of a quasi-experimental study of an intervention to encourage walking and cyclingJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2015, 69, 1184-1190
R Chapman, P Howden-Chapman, M Keall, K Witten, W Abrahamse, A Woodward, D Muggeridge, J Beetham, M Grams Increasing active travel: Aims, methods and baseline measures of a quasi-experimental study BMC Public Health, 2014, 14, 935
Abrahamse W, De GrootThe psychology of behaviour change: an overview of theoretical and practical contributionsIn S Fudge, M Peters, SM Hoffman, W Wehrmeyer, The global challenge of encouraging sustainable living: Opportunities, barriers, policy and practice. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. 2013, pp. 3-17
Abrahamse W, Steg L.Social influence approaches to encourage resource conservation: A meta-analysisGlobal Environmental Change, 23(6), 2013, 1773-1785
Judith I.M. de Groot, Wokje Abrahamse, Kayleigh JonesPersuasive normative messages: The influence of injunctive and personal norms on using free plastic bagsSustainability, 5:5, 04/2013
Abrahamse W, Keall MEffectiveness of a web-based intervention to encourage carpooling to work: A case study of Wellington, New ZealandTransport Policy, 21, 05/2012
Abrahamse W, Matthies E.Informational strategies to promote pro-environmental behaviours: Changing knowledge, awareness, and attitudesIn L Steg, AE van den Berg, JIM de Groot (eds). Environmental psychology: An introduction. Stafford, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell (2012) pp. 224-231
Abrahamse W, Steg L.Factors related to household energy use and intention to reduce it: The role of psychological and socio-demographic variablesHuman Ecology Review, 18: 30-40 (2011)
Milfont TL, Abrahamse W, McCarthy NSpatial and temporal biases in assessments of environmental conditions in New ZealandNew Zealand Journal of Psychology, 40: 56-67, 2011
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Witten K, Abrahamse W, Stuart K.Growth Misconduct? Avoiding sprawl and improving urban intensification in New ZealandNew Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities Monograph Series. Wellington: Steele Roberts, 2011
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Abrahamse W, Steg L.How do socio-demographic and psychological factors relate to households' direct and indirect energy use and savings? Journal of Economic Psychology, 30, 711-720 (2009)
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Abrahamse W, Steg L, Gifford R, Vlek CFactors influencing car use for commuting and the intention to reduce it: A question of self-interest or morality? Transportation Research-F: Psychology and Behaviour, 12: 317-324. (2009)
Evans D, Abrahamse W Beyond rhetoric: The possibilities of and for 'sustainable lifestyles'Environmental Politics, 18: 486-502 (2009)
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Abrahamse W, Steg L, Vlek C, Rothengatter T.The effect of tailored information, goal setting, and tailored feedback on household energy use, energy-related behaviors and behavioral antecedentsJournal of Environmental Psychology, 27, 265-276 (2007)
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Abrahamse W.PhD Thesis: Energy conservation through behavioral change: Examining the effectiveness of a tailor-made approachUniversity of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences (2007)
Steg L, Dreijerink L, Abrahamse W.Why are Energy Policies Acceptable and Effective?Environment and Behavior, 38: 92-111 (2006)