A Theory Synthesis and Systematic Literature Review on Cognitive Biases in Climate Shaped Plastic Behaviors

Abstract

This study presents a theory synthesis and systematic literature review exploring how climaterelated emotions particularly eco-anxiety and solastalgia interact with cognitive biases to perpetuate unsustainable plastic consumption, even in the face of increasing environmental awareness. Addressing a significant gap in sustainability science, the research investigates the psychological mechanisms behind this paradox and evaluates evidence-based intervention strategies. Methodologically, the study integrates a PRISMA-ScR guided systematic review of 94 peerreviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 across psychological, environmental, and policy domains. Studies were selected based on strict inclusion criteria focusing on plastic behaviors, cognitive biases, and climate affect. In addition, a novel theory synthesis is conducted, combining dual-process theory, ecopsychology frameworks and behavioral economics to develop the model “Climate-Shaped Cognition Model (CSCM) of Plastic Behaviors”. Key findings reveal that eco-anxiety intensifies present bias (aggregate OR = 2.1 in 78% of studies), while moral licensing significantly increases after climate-related actions (3.2× stronger effects). Effective interventions identified include affect calibrated nudges, which result in an 18–34% reduction in plastic use, and temporal bridging tools, with an effect size of d = 0.57. The synthesis highlights a neurocognitive double bind, where climate emotions simultaneously heighten environmental concern and reinforce bias driven plastic behaviors. The proposed CSCM introduces three principles for intervention design: cognitive-affective alignment, dual-process engagement, and culturally contextualized implementation. This study offers the first comprehensive framework explaining how climate emotions shape cognitive barriers to plastic sustainability and provides actionable strategies for policymakers and behavior designers. It emphasizes the urgent need for standardized measures of plastic related climate distress and rigorous cross cultural evaluation of adapted interventions.